The ordinance sets in place an annual licensing fee of $5 per chicken and requires owners to obtain a land use permit to show the location of the coop/run, a map of the backyard and distances to adjacent homes, and an inspection of land use permit compliance prior to animal licensing.
Under the new ordinance, owners are required to maintain coops in a clean and sanitary condition at least 25 feet from homes on adjacent property and five feet from property lines, the owner’s home, and any vegetation except grass. The animals should be cared for and controlled in order to prevent a public nuisance, and food should be kept secure from rodents and other wildlife, with spillage and leftover food removed daily. The new ordinance also prohibits the sale of eggs or fertilizer produced by the chickens.
Click here to access the urban chickens information packet for the December 19 City Council meeting.
