Urban Chickens

Grass Valley City Council passed a ordinance revision to allow backyard chickens on January 25th, 2011.  Nevada City City Council passed a similar ordinance

There are several restrictions within these ordinances:

1. The number of chickens is dependent upon your lot size – 2,500 sq ft: 2 chickens, 5,000 sq ft: 4; 10,000 sq ft or more: 6.
2. A permit must be submitted and approved at staff level.  It must include a site plan, the location of the coop, and acknowledgment that the owner/applicant has received information and guidelines on successful rounding.
3. The location of the coop must be closer to the owner’s home than any surrounding residences an d it must be at least 20 feet from the nearest abutting residence.
4. No roosters or Guinea Hens
5. No slaughtering practices permitted within city limits.
6. No commercial sales of chickens or eggs.

Lauren Ware has done a great job outlining the process of raising chickens – from prep to chicks to coops and maintenance!

Some other interesting links to check out:

http://www.tarazod.com/shop.html – the film (DVD) about Madison chickens

http://www.madcitychickens.com/ – the website for info about raising chickens, FAQ’s, etc.

http://eatsacramento.wordpress.com/ – a link that mentions the “cluck” ordinance for Sacramento