[Massplanners] Chickens and other non-traditional household animal requirements

Fri Jun 25 13:45:36 EDT 2021

Dear Stephanie:

Attleboro has a solid base for thesundry fouls associated with this fowl matter. Somewhere near the arc of thecovenant in the bowels (but not the giblets) of the MassPlanners archives is aspirited discussion of chickens and other non traditional household animalslike pigs not named Wilbur, Piglet or Babe. You might look in the archives nextto clotheslines and snout houses. 

 I don't know if CJ's concerns extendto animals beyond our fine, typically flightless, feather friends butdefinitions are very important is developing the bylaw/ordinance. Including astatement that species not listed are expressly prohibited. 

 A long time ago in a town far far away,the ToK Town Meeting was brought to a halt, doubled over in laughter, as agentlemen with an innate knowledge and undeniably passion for his heirloom birdsproceeded to name off bird after bird with the repeated refrain “is my BLUEANDALUSIAN prohibited what about my BLACK MINORCA?” Pro Tip from a withdrawnbylaw proposed by Animal Control: definitely prohibit peacocks.

 You might consult "ChickenChat" at  https://heritagepoultry.org/ use thebutton that reads "cluck here" for some insight into the numerousheritage breeds. Just within the order Phasianidaethere are likely 150 species. ( (taxonomist of the listserve feel free to steerme back from this deep dive out of whatever my lane is)
 Then as I have mentioned before whenthat cute little second grade science project turns out to be a rooster beprepared to assign to whom the role of escorting Foghorn Leghorn to the gallus gallus gallows or guillotineabsent a pardon from Governor Chuck.
TBott. too chicken to go there on this side of the canal in a right to farm town.

Thomas Bott Town Planner Falmouth, MASS
You too could follow me on Twitter @TBottPlimoth but it clearly isn’t necessary 

    On Thursday, June 24, 2021, 04:07:57 PM EDT, Stephanie Davies <seniorplanner at cityofattleboro.us> wrote:  

The City of Attleboro has the following section in our Zoning Ordinance relating to chickens/poultry: 

§17–10.17 RAISING AND KEEPING POULTRY NOT FOR COMMERCIAL USE 

For purposes of this section, poultry is restricted to hens, guinea fowl, quail, as well as domesticated ducks and geese, and their uses are limited to pets and/or for their eggs or consumption. Raising and keeping six (6) or fewer poultry as an accessory use for non–commercial purposes is allowed by–right in any “Residential” zoning district. Raising and keeping more than (6) poultry as an accessory use for non–commercial purposes may be permitted by special permit in any “Residential” zoning district pursuant to §17–9.0 SPECIAL PERMITS. In all instances, raising and keeping poultry is subject to the following conditions: 

1. All poultry must be provided with both a coop and a fenced outdoor enclosure or run, subject to the following provisions: 

a. the fenced outdoor enclosure or run must adequately contain the poultry; 

b. the coop must be covered, predator and vermin resistant, and well–ventilated;

c. the coop must be located at least thirty (30') feet from the front property line; 

d. the coop must be located at least four (4') feet from any side and rear property lines but no less than fifteen (15') feet from the nearest abutting principal residential structure, whichever distance is greater; 

e. the coop and the outdoor enclosure or run shall be regularly cleaned and maintained to control odors, waste, and dust so as to prevent or minimize to the extent practicable nuisances related to such activities; 

2. If the established use on the premises is residential, the owner of the poultry must be a resident of said dwelling. In addition, no live poultry may be kept or raised within the dwelling. 

3. Roosters are expressly prohibited. 

4. Poultry not listed herein, such as but not limited to turkeys, pheasants, and pigeons, may be permitted by special permit pursuant to §17–9.0 SPECIAL PERMITS. 

5. A person shall only keep poultry with a valid permit issued by the Attleboro Health Department; and said poultry shall be licensed annually.

Stephanie Davies

Senior Land Use Planner

City of Attleboro

77 Park Street

Attleboro, MA 02703

508.223.2222, ext. 3144

From: MassPlanners <massplanners-bounces at masscptc.org> On Behalf Of Hoss, Cornelius (choss at cityofpittsfield.org)
Sent: Thursday, June 24, 2021 3:22 PM
To: massplanners at masscptc.org
Cc: Joyner, Nathaniel <njoyner at cityofpittsfield.org>
Subject: [Massplanners] Chickens and other non-traditional household animal requirements

The City of Pittsfield is searching for examples of ordinances/bylaws related to the keeping of non-household animals outside of an agricultural setting.  We are interested in how communities have approached this whether it be through zoning, health department regulations, or other options, as well as corresponding fees.

Thanks!

CJ

Cornelius J. Hoss, AICP

City Planner

City of Pittsfield

Department of Community Development

70 Allen Street, Room 205

Pittsfield, MA 01201

choss at cityofpittsfield.org

(413) 499-9366

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