Notwithstanding the provisions of § 91.10 which remain in full force and effect, chickens shall be allowed to be kept in the city on parcels of land consisting of less than five acres in strict accordance with all of the following requirements:
(A) A chicken is a 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.
(B) No roosters (male chickens) shall be kept under the provisions of this section.
(C) There shall be no more than four chickens on any parcels of land less than five acres in size.
(D) Chickens must be kept completely and securely enclosed and under the control of the owner and on the owner's property at all times.
(E) A chicken coop, an enclosed structure for harboring chickens that provides shelter from the elements, shall be provided. The chicken coop must provide adequate sun, shade and ventilation and must be impermeable to rodents, wild birds, and predators, including cats and dogs and must provide at least ten square feet or space per chicken kept therein. No chicken coop shall exceed 75 total square feet in size. No chicken coop shall be more than ten feet in height. The chicken coop shall be situated a minimum of ten feet from all property lines. For corner lots, the chicken coop shall be situated as near as possible to the middle of the lot. The city's Building Commissioner shall approve the location of chicken coops on all corner lots.
(F) Chickens shall be provided with access to feed and clean water at all times.
(G) All feed for said chickens shall be stored in containers so as to protect against intrusion by rodents and vermin.
(H) The chicken coop shall be maintained in a sanitary condition and in compliance with all applicable health regulations of the State of Indiana, Porter County, and the city.
(I) Chickens and chicken coops shall be confined to the rear yard of the property.
(J) Any chickens kept in accordance with the provisions of this section shall be for non- commercial, personal use only and may not be slaughtered on the property.
(K) Any violations of this section shall be subject to applicable penalties set forth in § 91.99.
(Ord. 13-2016, passed 6-27-16)