(A) The following definitions apply to this section of the Town Code:
CHICKEN. Gallus gallus domesticus, a domestic bird typically kept on a farm. This definition does not include other fowl, such as, but not limited to, peacocks, turkeys, or waterfowl.
CHICKEN COOP. An enclosed structure for housing chickens that provides shelter from the elements.
CHICKEN FLOCK. One chicken or a group of 2 or more chickens which:
(a) Contains no more than 6 hens and no roosters (Roosters are specifically prohibited within the town. Immature chicks are not included in this count.); and
(b) Have been issued a permit by the town.
CHICKEN RUN. An enclosed outside yard for keeping chickens.
(B) A chicken flock may be kept in the town subject to the following restrictions.
(1) One chicken flock may be permitted for an owner-occupied, single-family residential address/ home.
(2) Single-family residences, which are rental homes or are not owner occupied, must have written permission of the property owner.
(3) No family group or individual shall harbor more than 1 flock within the town.
(4) The keeping of chicken flocks is prohibited on/in duplex, multi-family, apartment buildings/complex’s and mobile home/trailer parks.
(C) Standards for maintaining/harboring chickens.
(1) Keep all chickens completely and securely enclosed and under control of the owner and on the owner’s property at all times.
(2) A chicken coop and chicken run shall be provided. During daylight hours chickens may be located in the chicken run.
(3) Provide a chicken coop that must afford shelter from the elements.
(4) Provide a chicken coop and run that provides adequate sun, shade and ventilation; both must be impermeable to rodents, wild birds and predators including dogs and cats.
(5) Provide chickens with access to feed and clean water at all times, such feed and water shall be unavailable to rodents, wild birds and predators.
(6) Provide a chicken coop and chicken run that affords a combined 10 square feet per chicken.
(7) The chicken coop and run shall be constructed of traditional building material and be predator-proof. It may be fixed or mobile. Coops and runs shall be constructed so as to confine the chickens to the owner’s property.
(8) Non-commercial use only - the keeping of chickens authorized under this code shall be kept as pets or for personal use only. Eggs and chicken manure shall not be sold.
(D) Location.
(1) Chickens, coops and runs shall be confined to the rear of the residential structure.
(2) Coops and runs shall comply with the building codes as to setback and location on the property.
(Ord. 2015-15, passed 9-15-2015)