[Added 4-26-2021 by L.L. No. 2-2021]
As used in this article, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
BEE
A flying insect closely related to wasps and ants, known for its role in pollination and, for purposes of this article, in the case of the best-known bee species, the western honey bee, for producing honey. Bees are a monophyletic lineage within the superfamily Apoidea. They are presently considered a clade, called Anthophila.
CHICKEN
A domestic fowl kept for its eggs or meat, especially a young one.
It is unlawful for any person or persons to keep or maintain livestock within the City limits, including but not limited to horses, ponies, donkeys, mules, cattle, sheep, goats, farmed deer, buffalo, hogs, poultry, llamas, alpacas, ostriches, and emus (including all miniature farm animals), except as hereinafter provided in § 63-24.
The following animals are exempt from the provisions of § 63-23, in accordance with the limitations set forth herein:
A. 
Bees. Bees (Apidae family only - honey bees) may be kept but are limited to two hives per property.
B. 
Chickens. Chickens are permitted to be kept for personal use subject to the following requirements:
(1) 
You must purchase a chicken owner's permit from the City of Oswego Clerk's office for $25, and consent to a coop and run inspection annually. The permit shall be renewed at the beginning of each calendar year.
(2) 
No more than six chickens are allowed at each property.
(3) 
Male chickens over four months of age are prohibited.
(4) 
Chickens shall be kept in a well-ventilated, enclosed coop constructed to protect the animals against varying weather conditions and predators. The coop shall have an attached, enclosed run. The coop and run combined shall provide a minimum of 10 square feet of ground space per chicken.
(5) 
All coops and runs shall be located within a side or rear yard only. Coops shall be at least 25 feet from any neighboring dwelling and 10 feet from any property line. No portion of any run shall be within 10 feet of any property line.
(6) 
All coops and runs shall be kept in a neat, sanitary, dust-free condition and must be cleaned on a regular basis so as to prevent offensive odors. Coops and runs are subject to inspection by the Animal Control Officer.
(7) 
At no time shall chickens be allowed to run at large. Any impounded chicken will be subject to a redemption fee of $50.
(8) 
Guinea hens, geese, ducks, peacocks, pheasants, quail, and other game species are prohibited within the City limits. Pigeons may be kept but are subject to inspection if any neighborhood complaints arise.
(9) 
The hatching and raising of poultry for the purpose of selling is strictly prohibited, except in commercial business zones and by permit only.
(10) 
Commercial poultry egg incubators (incubators that hold more than 10 eggs) are strictly prohibited.
(11) 
Raising of chickens for meat is prohibited.
(12) 
Slaughtering of poultry in a private residence is strictly prohibited.
(13) 
Upon investigation of any complaint pertaining to this article, the Animal Control Officer shall have the authority to issue and enforce an order to remedy to address any violations.