Chook Me!

Is there a loophole in this Zoning Ordinance?

I want to get 3 hens in my backyard. Here's what the Zoning Map says for where I live (in a list of what's allowed): 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 From what I can tell, you can't raise chickens for commercial purposes. But mine would be pets, and I wouldn't sell them or their eggs. Can I get away with that?

Public Comments

1. If your hen-house and the pen for the chickens is further than 100 feet from all your neighbor's homes, you should be okay. Enjoy the eggs.
2. I think you can.
3. Poultry (chickens) are considered to be farm animals, not pets. But check to see if the city's pet ordinances apply, if their descriptions is vague enough, the reference to 'commercial purposes' may allow you to side step this one.