We’ve got something to crow about! The proposed Chicken Ordinance passed its second reading at last Tuesday's City Council meeting.

This new ordinance will take effect 20 days after it is published. The plan is for the application cost to be $25 and a renewal cost of $20 each year to have chickens. The soonest to be able to apply for a chicken permit within City Limits is Monday, September 14^th.

The municipal code will be updated on the effective date;
you can find where it will be located here. Box Elder: Municipal Code

What’s the first thing I should do if I want chickens:

You can go to our permitting “Get It Done”. You can set up your account right now, but the permit will be available to apply for starting September 14^th. This process must be completed before keeping chickens on a property; the only exception is if your property is zoned Agricultural or Rural Residential.

What do I need to have ready for the permit process:

• Have the proposed number of chickens you would like to raise.
• A site plan showing the location of the coop, enclosure, or fenced area intended for chickens.
• Written authorization from the property owner if the property is a rental property.
• A written authorization form will also be provided to give to neighboring occupied residential properties.

How many Chickens are allowed: Properties smaller than 1 acre may have 6 chickens. Properties that are one acre or greater, but less than three acres can have up to 12 chickens. Properties with three acres or greater may have 24 chickens. Regardless of acreage, up to 6 brooding chicks may be kept for replacement purposes, provided such chicks are not older than 12 weeks of age, and the total number of chickens permitted on the property is not permanently exceeded.
 

Coops Specifications: Coops, enclosures, and fenced areas intended for chickens shall not be located within any easement or designated
floodway. Nor can coops be located in the front yard or side yard. Coops should be placed in the rear yard, and they will need to have a 15-foot setback from the property lines. You cannot free-range chickens except on a property zoned Agricultural or Rural Residential.

Feed and water for chickens should be maintained in a manner that minimizes access by rodents, wild animals, and predators. Feed should be stored in sealed rodent-resistant containers. The city may inspect a property to determine compliance with this section.

If you have questions, reach out to our Planning and Zoning Department by calling 605 -923-1408 or emailing planning@boxeldersd.gov. 21 days and counting until Monday, September 14^th.