§ 92.34. STRUCTURES.

(A) Chickens shall be contained and kept in a fully enclosed structure, known as a “coop” or a fenced enclosure, known as a “pen,” at all times. Fenced enclosures shall conform to all of the requirements of Chapter 138, Article III, Division 2 of the zoning code, except that the fence material may be wire mesh with openings no larger than one inch. A chicken coop shall be constructed of durable materials and shall be properly maintained.

(B) A chicken “coop” will be considered to be an accessory structure and must meet all requirements of § 16.13 of the zoning code. Prior to construction an approved zoning review permit must be on file with the Building and Code Enforcement Department. Permit application shall include any structural or plat drawings or other information required by the department. The department shall issue a permit where the application is in compliance with all requirements, regulations and ordinances of the city.

(C) A “coop” or “pen” shall be detached from the residential dwelling and be designed to provide safe and healthy living conditions for chickens while minimizing adverse impacts on other residents and the neighborhood. The fully enclosed structure and fenced enclosure shall meet the following additional requirements:

(1) In addition to the requirements of Chapter 138, Article III, Division 2 of the zoning code, the coop and fenced enclosure shall be set back a minimum of 23 feet from the nearest setback of any neighboring dwelling.

(2) Chickens shall be kept in the backyard. For purposes of this section, "backyard" means that portion of a lot enclosed by the property's rear lot line setback and the side lot line setback to the points where the setback lines intersect. A side yard will be allowed if all of the pens and/or coops are screened from any street or adjacent properties. An adjacent neighbor can waive the screening requirement if the request is put in writing to the city.

(3) No enclosed structure “coop” or fenced enclosure “pen” shall be located within any side or rear yard setback area.

(4) Any enclosed structure shall be a maximum of eight feet in height and shall not exceed a total of 80 square feet.

(5) The use of corrugated metal/fiberglass, sheet metal, plastic tarps, scrap lumber or similar materials are prohibited.

(D) All structures and enclosures for the keeping of chickens shall be constructed with a rat wall or similar block foundation to prevent rats, mice, or other rodents or vermin from being harbored underneath or within the walls of the structure or enclosure. If the coop is mobile, the structural design must be approved by city staff.

(E) All feed and other items associated with the keeping of chickens likely to attract rats, mice, or other rodents or vermin shall be secured and protected in sealed containers.

(F) No offensive odors shall be allowed to emanate more than ten feet from a coop or pen.

(G) Any portable coops must meet the same performance standards as stationary coops.

(Ord. 04-2017, passed 1-15-2018)