[Adopted 11-7-2016 by Ord. No. 565]
The purpose of this article is to regulate the keeping of chickens
for household usage and/or chickens and roosters for commercial usage.
As used in this article, the following terms shall have the
meanings indicated:
Includes only the female of the species, whether adult or
juvenile.
A coop, fenced area, or other similar structure designed
to protect the chickens and restrict movement into neighboring yards.
Enclosures must be enclosed on all sides and the top to prevent unauthorized
entry or exit.
Conditions allowing chickens to roam freely upon the owner's
property, the property of neighbors, or the sidewalks and streets
of the Borough.
Includes only the male of the species.
Each property containing one acre of land or less shall hereby
be allowed to keep no more than four chickens as pets, for egg production,
or for food usage by the family. All usage of chicken products produced
will be for the family keeping and maintaining the chickens. Roosters
shall not be permitted on property containing one acre or less within
Borough limits.
A.
Chickens kept on one acre or less of property must be kept in appropriate
pens at all times. Free-range conditions outside of a pen area are
prohibited. Pens, coops, and other structures must be clean, dry and
kept in a sanitary condition at all times in a manner that will not
disturb the use and enjoyment of neighboring lots due to noise, odor,
or other adverse impact. Excrement must be prevented from accumulating
in the coop or on the property.
B.
Pens must provide adequate ventilation and must provide protection
from rodents, wild birds, and predators, including without limitation,
dogs, and cats. No pen may be less than 20 feet from the property
line, and no less than 30 feet from the occupied portion of any adjacent
property.
C.
Storage of food and supplies outdoors must be in an enclosed structure
and maintained in such manner as to prevent rodents.
Each property containing more than one acre of land shall hereby
be allowed to keep no more than five chickens per square foot of designated
chicken housing and no more than one rooster per 20 chickens.
A.
The original permit for any structures will be handled as any other
zoning permit for structures not requiring a building permit. Annual
license renewals will be due by April 30 of each year. The license
renewal fee shall be set as a part of the comprehensive fee schedule,
herein initially set at $10 per year for property containing one acre
or less, and $50 per year for property over one acre.
B.
Any person obtaining a permit does authorize the code enforcement
officer or a Humane Society officer to access the property upon reasonable
notice to the landowner or permittee to inspect pens, chicken housing
areas, and/or investigate complaints.
C.
A permit to keep chickens may be suspended or revoked where there
is a risk to public health or safety or for any violation or failure
to comply with the requirements of this article. There is no vested
right to keep chickens or roosters on any property after the expiration
of the annual permit.
Any person who continues to violate this article after being
given written notice shall be subject to a civil penalty not to exceed
$500 plus costs and reasonable attorney fees. A continuation of such
violation for each successive day(s) shall constitute a separate offense.
Subsequent violations shall be subject to a fine not to exceed $500.
The Borough Council of the Borough of Evans City is hereby authorized
and directed to execute any and all documents necessary to effectuate
the purposes of this article.
