Chapter 6.15
BACKYARD CHICKENS AND FOWL
Sections:
6.15.010 Title.
6.15.020 Purpose.
6.15.030 Definitions.
6.15.040 Standards for single-family residential and urban development zones.
6.15.050 Standards for acreage residential zones.
6.15.060 Enforcement responsibility and authority.
6.15.010 Title.
This chapter shall be known as the Marion County backyard chicken and fowl ordinance. [Ord. 1395 § 2 (Exh. A), 2018; Ord. 1357 § 1, 2015.]
6.15.020 Purpose.
The purpose of this chapter is to establish regulations for the keeping of chickens and other fowl on residentially zoned properties of Marion County. This chapter establishes standards and enforcement authority. [Ord. 1395 § 2 (Exh. A), 2018; Ord. 1357 § 2, 2015.]
6.15.030 Definitions.
“Chicken” means the common domestic fowl (Gallus gallus domesticus) or its young.
“Chicken run” means an outdoor enclosed or fenced area where chickens feed or exercise.
“Coop” means a cage or roofed enclosure in which chickens are kept.
“Fowl” means a domesticated or wild, heavy-bodied, largely terrestrial bird including pheasants, turkeys, grouse, peacock, and the common domestic chicken.
“Hen” means a female adult chicken.
“Rooster” means a male adult chicken. [Ord. 1395 § 2 (Exh. A), 2018; Ord. 1357 § 3, 2015.]
6.15.040 Standards for single-family residential and urban development zones.
The keeping and raising of chickens shall be allowed on properties zoned single-family residential (RS) or urban development in Marion County subject to the following conditions and limitations:
A. A resident of a single-family dwelling or duplex in the single-family residential or urban development zone may keep hens on the lot on which the resident resides.
B. The maximum number of hens allowed shall be six, except in the Woodburn or Silverton urban growth boundary where the maximum is three.
C. Hens are allowed only in a fully fenced rear yard.
D. Hens shall be confined at all times within a coop, pen or chicken run, except when under the personal supervision of an owner or custodian.
E. A coop shall not exceed 120 square feet in area or 10 feet in height.
F. There shall be a minimum six square feet of run space per hen.
G. A chicken coop shall be set back at least three feet from any building on the subject property and 25 feet from any residence on a neighboring property.
H. Chicken feed must be kept secure from pests.
I. All animal byproducts and waste must be collected and removed on a regular basis, allowing the storage of one sealed 20-gallon container.
J. Roosters are prohibited.
K. No sales of eggs, chickens, chicks, slaughtered chicks or chickens, or fertilizer are allowed. [Ord. 1395 § 2 (Exh. A), 2018; Ord. 1357 §§ 4, 5, 2015.]
6.15.050 Standards for acreage residential zones.
The keeping and raising of fowl shall be allowed on properties zoned acreage residential (AR) in Marion County subject to the following conditions and limitations:
A. All fowl shall be confined to the property on which they are being kept. [Ord. 1395 § 2 (Exh. A), 2018.]
6.15.060 Enforcement responsibility and authority.
A. Upon receipt of a complaint, this chapter shall be enforced pursuant to Chapter 1.25 MCC.
B. Chickens that are not kept as provided in MCC 6.15.040 shall be deemed a public nuisance under Chapters 1.25 and 8.10 MCC. [Ord. 1395 § 2 (Exh. A), 2018; Ord. 1357 § 6, 2015.]