The City Commission is scheduled to consider Ordinance 16-2092, proposing a Temporary Backyard Chicken Pilot Program modeled after similar ordinances in area municipalities. The first Commission public hearing will be held August 1, 2016 at 6:00 P.M. in the City Commission Chambers at 175 W. Warren Ave. You can view the draft Ordinance 16-2092 here.
For more information, please contact Community Development Services at (407) 260-3462.
A few facts about the Ordinance:
• The program would allow up to 50 permits to allow residents of detached single-family homes to keep up to 4 backyard chickens (hens) per residence. The ordinance includes provisions to ensure a clean, safe, and pleasant environment free of odor, vermin, noise, and disease and allows for code enforcement action if any of these terms are violated.
• A coop and run/enclosure is required subject to certain specifications, including a minimum distance of 25 feet from a neighboring primary structure. Chickens are only allowed outside of the coop/run with direct supervision.• In addition to demonstrating compliance with all requirements, applicants for a temporary permit must provide proof that they have taken a class on the care and raising of chickens through the University of Florida Agricultural Extension Service.
• Certain subdivisions within the City require HOA approval for building permits resulting in exterior changes and a building permit is required for the coop and run. As such, applicants in such subdivisions would need to seek HOA approval before receiving their backyard chicken permit.• The temporary program is set to expire February 28, 2018 and is limited to 50 permits. The City may choose to terminate the problem sooner pursuant to a 30-day notice to all permit holders.