Fowl (Chicken) Application

The City Code, Ordinance 2487, allows for the keeping of poultry and fowl if certain requirements are met and a permit is issued.

For Lots Less Than One Acre

The keeping of Poultry and Fowl in lots less than one acre, as defined in Ordinance 2487, is subject to the following restrictions:

  • "Requires  application for  a  permit  (via  city  approved form), limited to a maximum of five hens, no roosters, and must be kept outside of the residence in a confined area and not allowed to range freely. 
  • The confined space must be set back at least twenty (20’) feet from the side and rear property lines  in  the  back  yard.  
  • An  approved permit  may  be  revoked  when  any of  the above  requirements  are  not  being  met  and/or presence  of  the Poultry  or Fowl create offensive odors or unreasonable annoyance, including noise, to neighbors or others in close proximity to the premise where the Poultry or Fowl are kept. If a complaint  is  received,  the  code  officer  will  complete  a  written  report  of  his investigation  and  submit  it  to the applicant/owner  stating  the  factual  basis  for recommending to revoke the permit or dismiss the complaint. Such investigation will consider  comments  of  neighbors,  past  violations  by  the  applicant,  the  size, condition  and  location  of the  area  where  the Poultry  or Fowl  are  being  kept, and/or any other factors relevant to the keeping of Poultry or Fowl on a Lot less than one acre."

For Lots Greater Than or Equal To One Acre

The keeping of Poultry and Fowl in lots less than one acre, as defined in Ordinance 2487, is subject to the following restrictions:

  • "Twelve Poultry  or  Fowl  per  acre  are  allowed,  up  to  a maximum  of  twenty-five. 
  • No  more  than  one  rooster  may  be kept  per  lot  or household. 
  • Poultry and Fowl must be kept in a confined area and not allowed to range freely. 
  • Such confined space must be set back at least twenty-five (25’) feet from the from the side and rear property lines in the back yard. 
  • No Poultry or Fowl may be kept inside a residence."

How to Apply

Apply online or at City Hall

  1. Complete the correct Fowl Application for your property size
  2. Return application to City Hall with a $5.00 filing fee

For assistance, please contact the Deputy City Clerk at (913) 586-5271.