HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012-09-18 Planning Board Supplemental Materials (61)Making the Case for Legal Backyard Chickens
The desire by homeowners to keep their own chickens is increasing. Motives for wanting chickens varies, but may include a yearning to live
more sustainably, a desire to provide a manure and composting source for their backyard gardens, or because they simply want more control over where their food comes from.
However,
many residents in North Andover are not able to keep chickens legally, because the current zoning by-laws do not permit the keeping of poultry on lots smaller than 3 acres in residential
zoned parcels.
As interest in backyard chickens becomes more widespread, it would be in the Town's best interest to allow small flocks for all residential parcels. By making changes
to the zoning by-law, the Town would be able to regulate how chickens can be kept so that they pose no inconvenience or nuisance for neighboring residents.
Some potential concerns about
backyard chickens that could be addressed with a revised by-law pertain to: Noise, Odor, Real Estate Values, Public Heath, and Animal Welfare.
Our Proposal
The revised by-law would have
language regarding:
Quantity of chickens permitted:
6 chickens for parcels smaller than 3 acres
3 chickens per acre for parcels 3 acres and larger
Type of chickens:
Hens only; no roosters
Enclosure
requirements:
Fenced enclosure at all times.
Covered, securable enclosure during non-daylight hours.
Enclosure shall provide 4 square feet per bird at minimum.
Setbacks from property
lines, adjacent residential structures
At least 10 feet from property line
At least 25 feet from adjacent residential dwelling
Location of enclosure from street
Enclosure must be hidden
from view: either in back yard, or behind a privacy screen or fence
Are Chickens Allowed in Adjacent Towns?
Andover - Chickens for personal use are allowed with no acreage requirement.
Accessory buildings must conform to setback requirements.
North Reading - Permitted by special permit through Zoning Board of Appeals.
Boxford - Chickens allowed for personal use.
Middleton
- Chickens kept as an "accessory use" are allowed.
Methuen - Agricultural animals only allowed on 5 acres or more.
Haverhill - Chickens only allowed in Residential Rural and Residential
Low Density zones
Lawrence - Agricultural animals only allowed on 5 acres or more.