SUBJECT/RECOMMENDATION:
Title
Amend Clearwater Community Development Code Article 3, Development Standards, Section 3-204., which relates to accessory uses and structures standards, to add subsection I, which will allow for the keeping of chickens as an accessory use in certain residential zoning districts and provide standards for associated accessory structures, and pass Ordinance 9488-21 on first reading.
Body
SUMMARY:
At the City Council meeting on May 6, 2021, the Council engaged in a discussion with city staff, residents, and chicken advocates regarding the possibility of allowing chickens in certain residential zoning districts within the City. At that meeting, the Council directed staff to prepare an ordinance that would allow such chickens.
The proposed amendments to the Community Development Code would allow for the keeping of up to four backyard chickens as an accessory use to detached dwellings located in the LDR, LMDR, MDR, MHDR, and HDR zoning districts. The keeping of other fowl or roosters is prohibited, as is the sale of eggs and manure in addition to the breeding of chickens for commercial purposes. However, the sale of eggs that are a part of a lawful home-based business that has obtained the necessary permits and approvals is allowed.
The ordinance establishes location, size and other standards for chicken coops and associated chicken runs, obligates owners to maintain coops and runs in clean and sanitary manner to ensure proper health and sanitation, and establishes situations that would be constitute nuisance conditions. The ordinance also defines chicken, chicken coop and chicken run.
APPROPRIATION CODE AND AMOUNT: N/A