Chapter 7.60
CHICKENS
Sections:
7.60.010 Purpose and intent.
The keeping of chickens in the city supports a local, sustainable food system by providing an affordable, nutritious source of protein through fresh eggs. (Ord. 764 § 2 (part), 2014).
7.60.020 Definitions.
For the purposes of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply:
A. “Chicken” means Gallus gallus domesticus. This definition does not include other fowl, such as, but not limited to, peacocks, turkeys, or waterfowl.
B. “Chicken coop” means an enclosed structure for housing chickens that provides shelter from the elements.
C. “Chicken run” means an enclosed outside yard for keeping chickens.
D. “Rooster” means a male chicken. (Ord. 764 § 2 (part), 2014).
7.60.030 Keeping of chickens.
A. No more than six adult chickens are allowed per parcel; provided, that if a person has more than six adult poultry, the keeping of additional chickens shall require a conditional use permit consistent with the provision in Chapter 18.18.
B. The keeping of chickens, as outlined in this section, shall only be permitted in the LR, low density residential, DR, downtown residential, and ER, estate residential zones.
C. It is a violation for any person to own, possess or harbor a rooster within the city limits.
D. Any person owning or having charge and control of chickens shall:
1. Provide a chicken coop that affords shelter from the elements;
2. Keep chickens in a clean, sanitary and healthy condition and confined to the owners’ property. Animal waste, fecal matter, feathers or other chicken debris shall not be allowed to accumulate on any public property; and
3. Store chicken feed in a rodent proof container.
E. All chicken coops shall:
1. Be located at least fifteen feet from any property line;
2. Be located at least ten feet from any inhabitable building;
3. Be located outside of the front setback;
4. Be located behind a solid fence or wall;
5. Provide a minimum of four square feet of space per chicken;
6. Provide shelter from the elements; and
7. Be attached to a chicken run that provides a minimum of ten square feet of space per chicken.
F. It shall be unlawful for any person owning or having the charge and control of any chicken to permit the same to run at large upon any streets, alleys, or public places within the city limits of Patterson. (Ord. 764 § 2 (part), 2014).
7.60.040 Public nuisance.
Failure to comply with the provisions of this chapter shall constitute a public nuisance. (Ord. 764 § 2 (part), 2014).