Backyard Chickens: Are They Legal in Your Residential Area?

Keeping a chicken coop in a residential area has become popular, but what about the neighborhood? Some of them may permit or some not!

So, can you keep a chicken coop in a residential area? Keeping chickens in residential areas can be a tricky business. Local laws and homeowner association rules can put the brakes on your backyard coop dreams. You may have to follow the local laws, coop design, neighbor relations, and health considerations.

From understanding local laws to advocating for change, I’ll guide you through all these things. Let’s see what we can do for the backyard chickens!

Can You Keep a Chicken Coop in a Residential Area? Laws and Regulations!

Although it depends on the neighbor, usually, you can keep the chicken coop in a residential area. But before that, meet the local laws and regulations.

1. Importance of Zoning Laws

Thinking about raising chickens at home? Zoning acts as a roadmap! 

Zoning laws are like rules for your neighborhood. It outlines what types of structures and activities are allowed in different areas.

Why Zoning Matters for Chickens? Zoning can determine if backyard chickens are permitted in your neighborhood. Regulations might specify minimum lot size requirements for keeping chickens.

Also, coop placement and size restrictions are often outlined in zoning codes.

What are the benefits of Zoning for Chickens? Zoning protects residents from potential nuisance issues. For example – noise or odor from poorly managed coops. You get the proper keeping by setting guidelines for coop.

2. (HOA) or Neighborhood Covenants

We’ve clucked all about zoning laws, but there’s another hurdle for your backyard coop dreams. It’s neighborhood covenants (CC&Rs).

What are Covenants? Think of them as extra rules set by your homeowner association (HOA) on top of zoning laws. These rules can be anything from paint color restrictions to limitations on what pets you can have.

Why Covenants Matter for Chickens? They might outright ban chickens. Some HOAs just don’t want clucking critters around. Also, They could have restrictions on the number of chickens.

So, read your HOA guidelines carefully. See if there’s anything about chickens. Talk to your HOA board if unsure. Clear communication is key!

3. Common Restrictions and Requirements

There are not only laws but also some dangers of keeping chickens in your house. So, be sure you know the restrictions and requirements in detail.

Flock Size

Neighborhoods often limit the number of chickens you can keep. It might be a handful (3-5) or a small flock (up to 12). Be sure to check the exact limit.

Distance of Coop from Property Lines

Distance requirements can range significantly but a typical rule is set. It’s your coops that must be at least 10 to 25 feet from property lines and 50 feet from neighbors’ houses.

These distances are designed to ensure neighbors are not unduly disturbed by the chickens.

Noise Nuisance

Crowing roosters can be disruptive. Some areas simply don’t allow them, while others might have time limits on when they can crow.

Keeping roosters is often a big no-no in residential areas. Hens (female chickens) are much quieter, so they might be the better choice for happy neighbors.

Permits and Registrations

Your coop dreams are taking shape! You’ve checked zoning laws and HOA rules, and now it’s time for permits and registrations. Here’s what you might need.

Get the permission and you may need to authorize the number of chickens allowed, coop size, and placement. Contact your local zoning department for any application process.

You might need to register your coop with the local government or agricultural department. This registration helps authorities track poultry populations and ensure proper animal care.

Permits and registrations often come with a small fee. Be prepared to pay the necessary charges.

Obtaining permits and registrations shows you’re a responsible chicken owner following the rules.

According to APOPKA, here are some other rules to follow –

• You can have up to 4 chickens, but no roosters.
• You need to take a class about backyard chicken care from the University of Florida Agricultural Extension Office.
• Keep the chicken coop and pen secured to the ground to resist wind.
• The coop and pen can be no larger than 100 square feet and no taller than 6 feet.
• The coop and pen must be in your backyard, set back at least 15 feet from any side or street boundary.
• You may need to fill out an application form and pay a $50 fee.

Example: There is a thing called Chicken Math. It suggests that once you decide to get a chicken, you’ll likely end up with many more. So, if you start by saying, “I’ll just get 2 chicks,” you might find yourself with 20 chickens.

So, be sure the neighbor is okay with the crowd!

What to do if you don’t get permission to keep chickens in your backyard? You can see if there’s any chance of getting the rules changed through a petition or community discussion. Consider renting a small plot of land outside your neighborhood where chickens are permitted.

A real state lawyer can also help you get the legality to keep a chicken coop.

Related Articles:

• Building A Perfect Chicken Coop
• Right Way To Build A Chicken Playground

7 Facts Before Keeping Chickens in a Residential Area

Beyond the initial excitement, there are several important considerations to keep chickens in any area.

1. Contact your local zoning department or animal control to avoid future clucking conflicts.
2. Review your HOA guidelines for any rules against livestock.
3. Provide enough coop space and a designated run area for exercise.
4. Choose a coop location that minimizes noise and odor for you and your neighbors.
5. Consider keeping only hens or choosing quieter breeds for peaceful mornings.
6. When you get the permission, ensure the poultries have a secure coop with strong materials and a fenced run. It protects your chickens from predators like foxes and raccoons.
7. Start with a manageable number of chickens. It maintains good relations with your neighbors.

Want to make the perfect coop in the city or residential area? Here is a video as a guideline! Hope the neighbors won’t mind having such a perfect coop in the backyard.

FAQs

Here you can find some related queries to keep chicken coop in any residential location.

Conclusion

In my experience, keeping chickens in a residential area is fulfilling and challenging. You need to understand the local laws and regulations. Such as zoning laws and homeowner association rules. These regulations often include limits on the number of chickens allowed, coop size, and placement.

Also, noise level, coop security, and neighbor relations can play a good role in keeping chicken coop in the yard. By being informed and responsible chicken owners, get legal permission and raise chickens.