City of Lewisville Considers Cost Plus – Chickens Remain Anxious – Update

chickens

In a previous post we reported on the City of Lewisville’s consideration of Cost Plus Insurance and chickens. (http://blog.riskmanagers.us/?p=12772). We are please to provide this timely update.

City Council approves chicken ordinance

Annual permits available starting Oct. 21
Posted Date: 10/10/2013

Lewisville City Council has approved an ordinance change that will allow residents to own and keep chickens, with certain restrictions. Previously, chickens were prohibited on any property not zoned for agricultural uses. Annual permits will be available starting Monday, Oct. 21.

Chickens must be kept in a coop or enclosure at all times in order to provide safe and healthy living conditions for the birds while minimizing negative impacts on neighbors. The enclosure must be at least 100 square feet, unless it is an integral part of the coop. The enclosed area must be clean, dry and odor-free and be kept in a neat and sanitary condition.

Chickens must be secured within a coop at night. The coop must be enclosed on all sides, including a roof, and all openings must be covered with predator- and bird-proof wire. The coop will be considered an accessory building and will be treated as such under existing City codes.

Chickens only will be allowed on single-family residential properties measuring at least 7,500 square feet.

For residential properties that are at least 7,500 square feet but smaller than one acre, coops and enclosures must be at least 10 feet away from the primary residence on the property and at least 25 feet away from any adjacent residential or commercial building. Up to six chickens are allowed if there are no other regulated animals (dogs, cats, etc.) on the property. If there are other regulated animals, the total number of animals including chickens cannot be more than six. Roosters are not allowed.

For lots larger than one acre, coops and enclosures must be at least 150 feet from neighboring buildings and must provide at least 100 square feet of space for each chicken. Up to five chickens are allowed for each quarter-acre of total property. Roosters are allowed if they are kept at least 1,500 feet away from neighboring buildings.

For information about the ordinance change and the permitting process, please call 972.219.3478.