Backyard Chicken Permit & Requirements

Residents can apply for a Chicken Permit online.

Procedures for the granting of chicken permits:

• A chicken permit will be issued once an applicant has completed an application, met all requirements of Section 14-281 as amended from time to time, and staff concurs with the issuance of a chicken permit.
• There will be a $25.00 fee for the chicken permit and initial inspection.
• Once a chicken permit has been issued for a chicken that is maintained under this section, the location may be subject to an annual inspection to ensure that the area is being maintained in a manner that is safe and sanitary for the animal and does not burden the neighbors of the residence.
• If any condition of the chicken permit has been violated, and not corrected within 15 days, or if a condition of the permit has been violated more than three (3) times in a twelve-month period, the City may revoke the chicken permit. The City is responsible for the determination of compliance with the requirements of this article. In matters of interpretation, the Code Compliance Manager or designee has the authority to determine compliance with the code of ordinances.
• A person aggrieved by a decision of the Code Compliance Manager or designee in the issuance, denial, or revocation of a chicken permit may appeal to the City Manager. A person aggrieved by a decision of the City Manager may appeal to the City Commission.
• Persons granted a chicken permit are encouraged to attend an appropriate training session made available by the university of Florida (UF) institute of food and agricultural sciences (IFAS) to learn safe chicken and egg practices.

REQUIREMENTS:

• No more than ten (10) chickens may be kept on a parcel that is half-acre or greater. No more than five (5) chickens may be kept on a parcel that is less than half-acre. Roosters shall be prohibited.
• The residence shall be owner-occupied.
• The chicken permit applicant must sign a statement acknowledging that the chicken permit may be revoked for any violation of this article, as may be amended from time to time. The city will not be held responsible or liable for any losses to the applicant if such chicken permit is revoked.
• Ducks, geese, turkeys, peafowl, or any other poultry or fowl are not allowed under the provisions of this section of the code.
• Chickens and associated activities shall be kept for personal use only. Selling chickens, eggs, or chicken manure, or the breeding of chickens is prohibited.
• The coop and enclosure must be located in the rear yard, as defined by the city’s code of ordinances. No coop or enclosure shall be allowed in any front yard.
• The coop or enclosure must comply with standard accessory structure setbacks and requirements per the zoning district in which the property is located.
• The coop must be easily accessible for cleaning and maintenance. A building permit is required for a chicken coop that exceeds 100 square feet. The coop shall not exceed a maximum of 200 square feet.
• The coop shall be covered and ventilated, and a fence enclosure/run is required. The coop must be completely secured from predators, including all openings, ventilation holes, doors, and gates.
• All stored feed must be kept in rodent and predator proof containers.
• Chickens shall be kept within a coop and enclosure from dusk until dawn. No person shall release or set any chicken free from such coop and enclosure unless under the supervision of a person, and no person shall slaughter a chicken.
• Chicken coops and enclosures shall be maintained in a clean and sanitary condition at all times. Chickens shall not be permitted to create a nuisance consisting of odor, noise, pests, or contribute to any other nuisance condition.

If you have any questions, please call Animal Control at (386) 878-8701.