(A) Purpose: The purpose of this section is to establish regulations for the keeping of hen chickens in residentially zoned parcels while protecting the public health and safety, and the health and safety of the chickens, through specific standards regarding sanitation, space, and proper animal husbandry.
(B) General: It is unlawful to keep, possess, or maintain chickens on any parcel of property located in the city, except in accordance with the regulations, standards, and restrictions prescribed in this section. Roosters are not permitted on any developed lot used exclusively for residential purposes unless subject to the exemptions under subsection (E) of this section, or as permitted by conditional use permit under subsection (G) of this section.
(C) Applicability: The restrictions and regulations herein shall only apply to the keeping of chickens in single-family residentially zoned parcels not otherwise permitted in the particular zone district or as exempted under subsection (E) of this section.
(D) Development Standards:
1. A maximum of six (6) hen chickens may be kept on a developed lot used exclusively for residential purposes; and, provided further, that the keeping of hen chickens shall not create a health or nuisance problem.
2. All chickens shall be provided a coop, or other enclosure, and adhere to the following performance standards:
(a) Any enclosure or other accessory structure exceeding one hundred twenty (120) square feet shall not be constructed without first obtaining a building permit.
(b) Nesting boxes in enclosure required. The interior of any enclosure shall include nesting boxes of three (3) to five (5) square feet for each chicken.
(c) Any enclosure shall be a minimum of twenty five (25) square feet.
(d) Enclosures must have four (4) walls and a roof and be constructed of suitable material. Any enclosure shall be maintained in good repair.
(e) Enclosures shall maintain at least twenty feet (20') from any property line and from any structure used for human habitation. Any enclosure shall be restricted to either the rear or side yard and shall not be visible from a public street.
(f) Enclosures shall at all times be maintained in a clean, sanitary condition, and free from offensive odors. An odor is offensive if it can be detected at the adjoining property line.
(g) The interior of enclosures shall include chicken roost(s), feeder(s), water, and adequate ventilation at all times.
(h) All chicken feed shall be secured and stored in airtight containers and shall not be accessible by other animals, wild or domestic.
(i) No hen chickens shall be slaughtered on any developed lot used exclusively for residential proposes.
(j) Chickens shall be controlled and maintained within the confines of the owner's property at all times to protect the animals from injury, restrict entrance of other animals and predators, and prevent the escape of animals.
(E) Exceptions To Restrictions: This section shall not apply to the following:
1. To any parcel of property zoned for agricultural uses by provisions of the Placerville zoning ordinance in accordance with the general plan; or to any property zoned estate residential (RE) or single-family acre residential zone (R-1A).
2. Where keeping, harboring, or maintaining hen chickens would constitute a valid nonconforming use under the applicable provisions of the Placerville zoning ordinance.
(F) Treatment Of Animals: All animals shall be treated in a humane manner at all times. Persons engaged in animal abuse, or otherwise in violation of sections 597 and/or 597.1 of the California Penal Code, shall be subject to enforcement and penalties under the applicable provisions of this code and/or title 6 - Animals of the El Dorado County code.
(G) Conditional Use Permit Required: Any person seeking to deviate from the regulations and standards set forth in this section may only engage in the keeping of chickens upon approval of a conditional use permit. (Ord. 1682, 10-11-2016)