(A) Purpose. The purpose of this section is to provide standards for the keeping of fowl, specifically domesticated female chickens. It is intended to enable residents to keep a reasonable number of female chickens, but not roosters, while creating standards and requirements that ensure that domesticated chickens do not adversely impact the neighborhood surrounding the property on which the chickens are kept.
(B) Running at large. It shall be unlawful for any person to allow fowl to run at large within city limits. Such fowl may be maintained within the city if the same are confined in enclosed places on private property.
(C) License and application.
(1) Persons may not have fowl on private property within the city unless and until they have obtained a permit from the office of the City Clerk. To obtain a permit, persons must complete the application which is to include:
(a) The number of fowl to be held on private property within city limits; and
(b) A plan for the housing and containment of such fowl.
(2) Applicants must also pay an annual $10 fee, and obtain the written consents of the owners or lessees of properties immediately adjoining the private property where such fowl are to be kept, as well as all other property owners within 200 feet of the place where such fowl are to be kept. Such consents shall be filed at the office of the City Clerk and shall be subject to revocation by said owners or lessees at any time. In the event any of the consents are revoked, the person keeping fowl shall have 30 days to move the same after being notified by the City Clerk that such consents have been revoked.
(D) Existing ownership of fowl. Any person owning or possessing female fowl at the time of enactment of this section may, pending the approval of the Board of Health, obtain a permit to maintain the current number of fowl possessed; provided that:
(1) A permit application is filed with the City Clerk within 30 days of the effective date of this section. Such application is to include:
(a) The number of fowl currently held on private property within city limits; and
(b) A plan for the housing and containment of such fowl.
(2) The plan and facilities for the housing and containment of the fowl must be reviewed, inspected and approved by the Board of Health as adequate; and
(3) An annual permit fee in the amount of $10 shall be paid to the city.
(Ord. 16-4, passed 12-5-2016) Penalty, see § 90.99