Hanford Municipal Code Ch. 6.10 Keeping of Chickens

To allow 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. 20-05 § 1, 2020)

A. It is unlawful to keep, possess, or maintain chickens on any parcel of property located in the city, except in accordance with the following restrictions:

1. A maximum of three chickens may be kept on a residential lot zoned R-L-12, R-L-8, or R-L-5.

2. A maximum of three chickens may be kept on a residential lot zoned R-M that is occupied by one, and no more than one, single-family dwelling. Chickens may not be kept on a property zoned R-M that is occupied by a multi-family dwelling or by more than one single-family dwelling. The lot must comply with Section 6.10.030.

3. Chickens may not be kept on property with any other zoning designation unless otherwise allowed under Title 17 of this Municipal Code.

4. Chickens shall be confined in a chicken run or coop on the owner's property at all times.

5. No chickens shall be kept in the front or side yard on any residential lot zoned R-L-12, R-L-8, or R-L-5.

6. No chickens shall be slaughtered on any residential lot zoned R-L-12, R-L-8, or R-L-5.

7. Owners shall keep areas used by chickens in a clean, sanitary and healthy condition. Animal waste, fecal matter, feathers or other chicken debris shall not be allowed to accumulate on the property. Feces, feathers, and other waste must be collected regularly and stored in an air-tight container prior to disposal to maintain sanitary conditions and to prevent offensive odors from being detected on an adjoining property.

8. Owners shall store chicken feed in a rodent proof container.

9. No person owning or having the charge and control of any chicken shall permit the same to run at large upon any streets, alleys, or public places within the city limits of Hanford.

10. Roosters are not permitted in the city of Hanford.

(Ord. 20-05 § 1, 2020)

A. Persons maintaining chickens shall have a coop for their chickens. All chicken coops shall:

1. Afford shelter from the elements. At a minimum the chicken coop shall possess four walls and a solid roof and shall provide adequate ventilation to ensure the health and safety of the chickens within the coop.

2. Be located at least 10 feet from any property line;

3. Be located at least five feet from any inhabitable building, including, without limitation, main and secondary dwelling structures;

4. Be located behind a solid fence or wall;

5. Provide a minimum of four square feet of space per chicken;

6. Include chicken roost(s), feeder(s), and water at all times to ensure the health and safety of chickens within the coop.

B. Persons maintaining chickens shall have a chicken run for their chickens. All chicken runs shall:

1. Be fully fenced so as to not allow the chickens to roam free.

2. Be subject to the location requirements identified in subsections (A)(2) through (A)(4) above.

(Ord. 20-05 § 1, 2020)

Failure to comply with the provisions of this chapter shall constitute a public nuisance. In addition to the enforcement provisions contained in this Title 6, violations of this chapter shall be subject to the enforcement provisions of Chapter 17.94 of this Municipal Code.

(Ord. 20-05 § 1, 2020)