DRAFT of a Proposed Ordinance Amendment 

(This is a draft and does not represent the final ordinance amendment)

 

New Councilor Item 3/9/2009:

We move that City Council direct staff to return with a resolution next week to initiate a code change to:

Amend the Residential Agricultural Zone list of Special Uses (SRC 145.030) to add Keeping of Chickens.

Amend the Residential Single Family Zone list of Special Uses (SRC 146.030) to add Keeping of Chickens.

Provide a sunset clause in the ordinance adopting the code change that will terminate the use in twelve months.

Create a new Section in Chapter 119 as follows:

Keeping of Chickens:

Where permitted as a special use, not more than three (3) female gallus domesticus poultry may be kept in the rear yard of any single family residence subject to the following requirements:

    1. Roosters are strictly prohibited.

    2. Chickens must be kept fully enclosed at all times and have access to shelter from the rain.  It shall be unlawful for any person to allow any fowl owned by him or her to escape or roam at large.

    3. Chicken feed must be secured in a manner that will prevent access by rodents or other pests.

    4. Any coop, pen or other enclosure in which fowl are kept must be at least 10' from property line or 25' from residential structures on adjacent properties.

    5. Chicken owners must keep the animals in a clean and sanitary condition. Any coop, pen, or other enclosure must be maintained in a manner to reduce the incidence of insects and rodents, and that is free of offensive odors, excessive noise, or any other conditions that constitute a public nuisance.

6. 6.Selling, breeding, or raising chickens for meat is prohibited.