Rooster Ordinance | The Retirement Roost

City Ordinances

CHANGING THE LAWS

Many people have been successful in changing their local laws and ordinances. Here are some tips for changing the law where you live:

1. Find out exactly what your local ordinances are and make sure they are sufficiently specific. Some ordinances may be vague enough for you take advantage of, for example one that prohibits "barn animals", but doesn't specify poultry.

2. Start a thread in our Local Chicken Laws & Ordinances section. Name your city/town in your thread title to make sure others in your area read it and ask if anyone else is already busy trying to change your local laws. If not, invite others from your area and create a support group. There is strength in numbers and the more people sign on, the better your chances of success will be.

3. Make sure you know and understand the current laws. Find out if chickens will be allowed under certain conditions that can be amended or if a new ordinance is needed. Get your information directly from the city, in writing.

4. Find out if there are any chicken friendly cities or towns near you, then contact their code compliance office, mayor's office and other officials. Ask about their policies, how it works and if it has been successful. Then draft an ordinance that is appropriate to your town.

5. Assemble an informational packet, based on the information you get. State facts, cite your references, include maps charts, photographs and letters of support.

6. Once you've got all the information you need, contact your city council and request the issue be placed on the agenda. Find out how your council meetings work and when public comments are allowed. Learn the protocol for submitting an item for discussion with your public officials.

7. Expect for this to take months. Changing city ordinances is neither easy nor quick, but it can be done. Stay polite, friendly, firm and persistent. This will help win your council's favor and show them you are serious.