HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012-09-18 Planning Board Supplemental Materials (62)
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:
1.Quantity of chickens permitted:
a.6 chickens for parcels smaller than 3 acres
b.3 chickens per acre for parcels 3 acres and larger
2.Type of chickens:
a.Hens only; no roosters
3.Enclosure requirements:
a.Fenced enclosure at all times.
b.Covered, securable enclosure during non-daylight hours.
c.Enclosure shall provide 4 square feet per bird at minimum.
4.Setbacks from property lines, adjacent residential structures
a.At least 10 feet from property line
b.At least 25 feet from adjacent residential dwelling
5.Location of enclosure from street
a.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.