Fuquay-Varina Backyard Chicken Ordinance
Homesteading and urban farming require advanced research to make sure you’re following all the laws properly. The following regulations regarding keeping backyard chickens in Fuquay-Varina can be found at Article F section 9-1255.
Accessory use, residential—Chickens. Chickens that are not part of a bona fide farm are permitted under the following standards:
A.
Standards for chickens as an accessory use. Chickens within a structure on a zoning lot for single-family detached residential use in the Residential Agricultural Zoning (RA) Zoning District, Residential Low Density (RLD) Zoning District, Residential Medium Density (RMD) Zoning District, Residential High Density (RHD) Zoning District and Planned Unit Development (PUD) Zoning District are permitted under the following standards:
i.
Building permit required. A building permit application must be obtained through the Inspections Department that shall include a plot plan showing the location and dimensions of the chicken coop and chicken pen, with setback dimensions from all property lines.
ii.
Letter of compliance. A letter of zoning compliance shall be obtained from the Planning Department, as part of the building permit application, and an affidavit from the property owner and notarized shall be included stating that the standards herein shall be maintained in compliance with all standards.
iii.
Maximum number. The maximum number of female chickens (hens) allowed on a zoning lot is five. Roosters are prohibited.
iv.
Personal use only. The use of chickens on a zoning lot shall be for personal use only; no eggs, chicks, adult chickens and process chickens shall be sold. The sale or distribution of compost using chicken manure shall be prohibited.
v.
Design & construction of the coop. The chicken coop shall be designed and constructed to secure chickens in the coop during non-daylight hours with proper ventilation, suitable shelter, protected from weather conditions and security from rodents, wild birds and predators.
vi.
Design & construction of the pen. The chicken pen shall be designed and constructed to secure chickens in the pen during daylight hours; all four sides of the pen shall be fenced a minimum of six feet high using gauge wire with a self-latching gate. The chicken coop shall be located within the fenced pen area.
vii.
Maximum dimensions of coop. The chicken coop shall have a maximum dimension of 12 feet by 12 feet; the chicken pen shall have a maximum dimension of twice the square footage of the chicken coop.
viii.
Prohibited coop locations. A chicken coop and pen shall not include residential structures or garages.
ix.
Located in rear yard only. The chicken coop and/or pen shall only be permitted in the rear yard, as defined in the Land Development Ordinance, of a zoning lot and shall comply with a minimum setback of 15 feet from the side and rear property lines, and in addition:
1.
Proximity to residential structures. The chicken coop and pen shall be located closer to the owners’ principal structure than any neighbor’s principal structure.
2.
Chickens in buffers, easement, etc. A chicken coop or pen shall be prohibited to locate within any designated buffer, landscape easement, stormwater management area, conservation easement or utility easement (water, sewer or storm drainage).
B.
Required maintenance.
i.
Clean water, feed & bedding. [Chickens shall have] adequate access to feed, clean water and bedding at all times.
ii.
Sanitary condition. The chicken coop and pen shall be cleaned of chicken manure and other waste and feathers or debris, and shall be kept in a sanitary condition against odors and nuisances.
iii.
Chicken Feed. Chicken feed shall be stored in a secure container.
iv.
Chicken manure. Chicken manure shall be bagged and disposed of with household waste or compost on-site; all stored chicken manure shall be contained in a waterproof container.
v.
Prohibited activity. On-site slaughter of chickens shall be prohibited.
vi.
Disposal. If a chicken dies from causes other than slaughter, it shall be promptly placed into a plastic bag, which shall be closed securely and disposed with household waste.
