(a) License – Scope. The provisions of this section apply to the keeping of chickens and ducks in the County, excluding the City of Annapolis. A chicken or duck license permits the owner to own chickens or ducks as pets and to consume eggs produced by the kept chickens or ducks.
(b) License – Generally. A County resident keeping chickens or ducks on a lot less than 40,000 square feet for any length of time shall have and maintain a license for keeping chickens and ducks on the property. An owner shall:
(1) apply for a license before obtaining the chickens or ducks or bringing the chickens or ducks into the County;
(2) provide evidence of current registration with the Maryland Department of Agricultural, Domestic Poultry and Exotic Bird Registration Division unless the owner is exempt from registration under State law;
(3) acknowledge that they are solely responsible for assuring that chickens and ducks may be kept on the property under any applicable covenants or bylaws; and
(4) acknowledge that the falsification of any information on the application is cause for revocation of the license.
(c) License – Fee and renewal. The fee for each license is $30. All licenses shall be valid for three years and be renewed before expiration for as long as an owner keeps chickens and ducks on the property. Unless specifically exempted by law or variance, all zoning requirements set forth in § 18-4-104 of this Code must be met before a license issued under this section may be renewed. An application for renewal shall be accompanied by the required license fee. Failure to make application for renewal before the renewal due date shall result in a late fee of $10.
(d) License – Prohibition. Roosters may not be kept on a lot less than 40,000 square feet.
(Bill No. 79-13; Bill No. 89-20)