Chook Me!

What does this zoning ordinance mean?

I want to raise 3 hens in my backyard, so I checked the zoning map and it said this (in a list of things I was allowed to do) g. Agriculture, which in this district shall mean the cultivation of the soil principally for the production of food products, but shall not include the following: (1) The feeding or other disposal of community or collected garbage. (2) The raising or dealing in poultry, or any animals for business or commercial purposes, except as incidental to a bona fide general farming operation. Said animals or poultry shall not be housed, stabled, kenneled or yarded closer than one hundred (100) feet from any residence other than that of the owner or user of the property. (3) Buildings or structures, and the sale of agricultural products produced soley on the premises, are considered agricultural if located on a lot containing not less than five (5) acres of land area. What does that mean? Can i have my little chicks or not? They are not for a commercial purpose; just as pets. Thanks in advance! I don't live within 100 feet of another residence, though. Does that mean I can have them?

Public Comments

1. Not as pets as it reads. As a part of an agricultural concern; eggs or sale maybe. Put them in a proper pen and put a "for sale" sign on the pen; and sell them for 500 bucks each..... No; it means if you built a pen on a property line, it would have to be at least 100 feet from a neighbor's home
2. There is a comma after the "raising or dealing in poultry" which means either one is not allowed. If you live within 100 feet of another residence, you cannot raise chicks. The small word "or" means you cannot do either.
3. It depends on the size of your lot and how close your neighbors are. Per the zoning you cannot have poulty "yarded" (running around your yard) closer than 100 feet to your neighbors house. If you have than much space then you can have your chickens... but you must have them penned so they cannot approach your neighbors in that 100 feet. Notice that the zoning specifies "residence" so it is their house (not property) that is the determining factor. Sensible.. that statement is followed immediately by "For business or commercial purposes"