(A) Except as otherwise provided, it shall be unlawful for any person within residential districts of the city limits to keep, or allow or permit the keeping of, or have possession of any chicken, poultry, birds, peacocks, peafowl, guineas, ducks, geese, gander, or other fowl, except as provided and specified in division (B) below.
(B) The following shall be accepted and exempt from the provisions of division (A).
(1) Zoos, fares, shows, and light exhibits issued permits by or approved for the temporary showing by the Town of Kingstree.
(2) Parrots, parakeets, cockatoos, cockatiels, lovebirds, and similar indoor pet birds actually kept in residence in confinement, if in compliance with local, state, and federal laws and regulations.
(3) Waterfowl on any lake or pond or a subdivision lake or pond.
(4) Less than 15 domesticated female chickens (hens) shall be kept, maintained, or raised on lots with single family dwellings only. No male chickens (roosters) whatsoever shall be allowed. The following are additional requirements regarding the maintenance of domesticated female chickens.
(a) Domesticated female chickens must be confined in a coop. The coop must be a safe environment that keeps animals from escaping at all times. It must be constructed in a uniform manner of sturdy material that provides protection from potential predators and the elements, and properly ventilated. Runs must be constructed of a fencing material that prevents potential predators from getting in and hens from escaping.
(b) Runs and coops must be well drained so that there is no accumulation of chicken excrement, and shall be cleaned on a regular basis with all droppings and excretions disposed of in a manner so as not to attract flies or varmints unless otherwise disposed of in accordance with any federal, state, or health regulation.
(c) Chickens, coops, runs, or other structures for housing chickens shall only be located or permitted between the rear of the principal structure and the rear lot line of the premises; must be screened from the side and rear lot lines by shrubbery or a privacy fence at least five feet tall; and shall not be located within ten feet of any property line and 30 feet from the nearest residence excluding your own residence (or on the approval of the Code Enforcement Officer if there are any unusual circumstances).
(d) No person shall slaughter any chickens on the premises. It shall be unlawful to raise chickens for commercial purposes within the city limits in the residential area, or to sell eggs laid by chickens kept in the city limits. All eggs laid by the chickens must be utilized on the premises.
(e) Chicken coops, runs, or other structures for housing chickens shall not constitute an accessory structure.
(f) No person shall keep chickens on his or her premises within the city without first obtaining a complete and approved initial compliance inspection and application, and paying a $5 registration fee as set by the Town Council.
(g) No person shall keep chickens on his or her premises within the city limits without first obtaining written permission from abutting property owners in the initial application process.
(h) A permit to keep hens may be suspended, revoked, or not issued by the city where there is a risk to public health or safety, for any violation of, or failure to comply with, any provisions of other applicable ordinances or laws, including local subdivision covenants.
(C) Every person keeping, maintaining, or raising chickens and/or fowls within the corporate city limits of Kingstree on a lot, area, plot, parcel, pond, or tract of land prior to or on the effective date of this section shall conform to and be in full compliance with the regulations of this section within 90 days after its passage.
(D) Refer to § 90.99 for the penalty for violating any of the above provisions of this section.
(Am. Ord. 2024-04, passed 9-16-24)