Backyard Backyard “Urban Chickens”“Urban Chickens”

Report Report

Community Development Department

And City Attorney

November 12, 2013

PurposePurpose

To discuss backyard “urban” chickens and to provide overview for ordinance discussion.

Historic 1918 - 2013 Historic 1918 - 2013

Concept of Backyard Chickens havebeen aroundfor a long time

As towns grew, zoning laws prohibited live stock, chickens etc. in residential areas

Overview of IssueOverview of Issue

• Discussion on keeping of a small amount of chickens by residents for the purpose of producing eggs.

• Under current zoning regulations, the keeping of chickens is only permitted in the RE-1 Residential Estate Zoning District on one (1) acre or more.

Overview of IssueOverview of IssuePresent CodePresent Code

• Sec. 6-41- Keeping chickens or fowl and Sec. 25-292. (4) The keeping of domestic animals and fowl need to be revised to clarify language.

• Changes would need to be sent to the Planning Commission for the November meeting prior to adoption by the City Commission in January 2014.

StylesStyles

Modest Coop

Trendy Hen House

StylesStyles

Stylish Hen House

Common Themes when Common Themes when Considering ChickensConsidering Chickens

• The number of birds permitted per property• The regulation of roosters • If permits and fees are required for keeping

chickens• Chicken enclosure/containment restrictions • Nuisance clauses related to chickens• Slaughtering restrictions• Coop/hen house distance in relationship to

homes and property lines • Wildlife and rodents

List of Florida Cities with Backyard Chickens

• Rockledge• Tampa• Sarasota• Cape Coral• Pensacola

• Oviedo• Orange Park• Palm Coast• Maitland

The Following Communities Prohibit Urban Chickens

• Eustis• Fort Myers • Mascotte• Minneola• Lake County• Lake Worth • Fruitland Park *Agr. only

• Lady Lake*

Issues to ConsiderIssues to Consider

• Zoning - Districts - Setbacks

• Permitting - Inspections

• Code Enforcement- Complaint Driven- Sanitation and disposal of manure

Issues to ConsiderIssues to Consider

• If the Commission opts to adopt zoning changes allowing backyard chickens, restrictions are recommended.

• Issues to be considered:– At least 50 foot setbacks from all residential lot lines– Number of chickens allowed - three (3) chickens – Prohibiting roosters – Prohibiting slaughter– Revocation of permit if neighbor complains

OptionsOptions

1. Leave the existing regulations of allowing

backyard chickens in the RE-1 Residential Estate Zoning District one (1) acre lots only

2. Direct staff to complete draft ordinance regarding backyard “urban” chickens

3. Send to Planning Commission for Public Hearing and recommendation to City Commission

Questions or CommentsQuestions or Comments

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