[Adopted 4-18-2017 by Ord. No. 1442; amended in its entirety 3-19-2019 by Ord. No. 1474]
This article established a permanent program to authorize the residents of the Borough of Haddon heights to keep backyard hens, subject to certain terms and conditions set forth herein.
A. 
The following shall be eligible to participate in this program; residents of single-family homes or residents of "twin" or "row" homes which meet the criteria set forth in this section.
B. 
For purposes of this article, no more than 25 licenses will be issued at $10 each, on an annual basis.
C. 
There shall be a limit of eight hens per license. Roosters are prohibited.
D. 
The coop and run, located in the backyard, shall not exceed 120 square feet and shall be located no closer than 20 feet from the windows and/or doors of the habitable portion of the neighboring residential dwelling. Garages, attached or otherwise, and accessory buildings shall not be considered a "residential dwelling" for purposes of calculating the required distance. Hens may temporarily "free range" outside of the coop in a suitably contained area, provided that an adult, age 18 or older is present the entire time. A predator-proof run must be attached to the coop and must also be 20 feet from the habitable portion of the neighboring residential dwelling.
A. 
No person shall keep hens on their property without first obtaining a license from the Municipal Clerk's Office and paying the required fee. No license shall be issued unless the applicant has demonstrated compliance with all criteria set forth in the herein.
B. 
A nonrefundable annual license fee of $10 shall be paid for each license issued for participation annually. No more than one license may be issued per household.
C. 
Each applicant wishing to participate in the program to keep backyard hens shall be required to take a class on the basics of raising backyard hens. Proof of attendance must be represented with the completed application.
Participant shall comply with the following regulations and conditions for keeping and housing of hens:
A. 
The coop shall be suitable in size to house the number of hens subject to this program.
B. 
The coop shall be dry and well ventilated with windows to admit sunlight.
C. 
The coop must be kept clean.
D. 
The coop and enclosed run must be made predator-proof.
E. 
Clean water must be provided, and food must be kept tightly closed in a metal containing away from the coop and run at night.
F. 
The yard in the area where the coop is located shall be clean and free from odors.
G. 
Waste will be handled by the participant to prevent offensive odors or disposed in an environmentally-friendly manner.
H. 
There shall be no selling of eggs.
A. 
A Hen Advisory Board consisting of six members shall be formed, including a Chair, Vice Chair and Secretary. The Board shall meet on a regular basis and keep minutes which shall be submitted along with quarterly report to the liaison for Borough Council. These reports will include any activities of the Board, as well as any complaints and resolutions from residents concerning backyard hens.
B. 
If a complaint is received by the Borough, it will be forwarded to the Hen Advisory Board for investigation by two members of the Board. If the Board finds a violation of the regulations, solutions will be discussed with the offending resident to allow them to meet the requirements of the program as soon as possible. However, if after 30 days, the violation has been remedied, the Council liaison will be notified so that enforcement proceedings can be implemented.
Failure to comply with the conditions and regulations set forth in this article shall result in revocation of the license.