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Plainfield Township
City Zoning Code

PART 10

RAISING AND KEEPING OF DOMESTICATED CHICKENS

§ 27-1001 Purposes and Findings of Fact.

[Ord. No. 418, 4/25/2024]
The purpose of this Part is to provide standards for the raising and keeping of domesticated chickens, it is intended to enable residents of single-family dwellings to keep domestic chickens or other fowl on a non-commercial basis as an accessory use to a residence, while limiting the adverse effects of the activity on surrounding properties. Such adverse effects include noise, odor, unsanitary condition, attractions of predator, vermin or rats, domestic chicken running at large, unsightly conditions, similar adverse condition.

§ 27-1002 Zoning Permit Required.

[Ord. No. 418, 4/25/2024]
The keeping of domesticated chickens may be allowed as an accessory use to a single-family dwelling as permitted by right of use, no permit shall be required.

§ 27-1003 Non-Commercial Use Only.

[Ord. No. 418, 4/25/2024]
Domesticated chickens shall be kept for noncommercial purposes only the incidental sale of eggs is not prohibited provided that all other applicable Township regulations relating to the accessory sale are met. The activities set forth in this part are not considered concentrated animal operations, concentrated animal feeding operations, or normal farm activities that are therefore not regulated under Pennsylvania Act 38.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: See 3 Pa.C.S.A. § 501 et seq.

§ 27-1004 Standards for the Raising and Keeping of Non-Commercial Domesticated Chickens and Other Fowl on Residential Properties.

[Ord. No. 418, 4/25/2024]
1. 
Permitted zoning districts the keeping of domesticated chickens shall be permitted as a permitted by right use within the following zoning districts:
A. 
Farm and Forest District (FF).
B. 
Suburban Residential District (SR).
C. 
Planned Residential District (PR).
D. 
Village Residential District (VR).
E. 
Village Center District (VC).
F. 
Industrial/Business Park District (I-BP).
G. 
Blue Mountain Conservation District (BMC).
2. 
Lot Size, Limits on Number of Domesticated Chickens per Lot.
A. 
No minimum lot size will be required to keep chickens in the zoning districts identified within this Part.
B. 
Number of domesticated chickens permitted per lot:
Lot Size
Number of Domesticated Chickens Permitted
Up to 1/2 acre
12
1/2 - 1 acre
24
More than 1 acre
No maximum
C. 
Roosters. Roosters and other male fowl will be considered the same as hens and female fowl for the sake of this Part. All appropriate noise ordinances shall apply as with other domesticated animals.
D. 
Number of Domesticated Chicken Runs, Henhouses, and Coops. All buildings and areas dedicated to the care and housing of domesticated chickens and fowl shall be maintained in a clean and environmentally healthy manner in accordance with Township, state, and federal laws.
3. 
Dimensional Setback Requirements. All buildings, runs, henhouses, or coops dedicated to the feeding, care, housing, or keeping of domesticated chickens and fowl shall conform to the requirements set forth in the lot zoning ordinances as set forth in the current Township Ordinances.
4. 
Required Conduct of the Applicant/Owner.
A. 
Odor and Noise. Odors shall not be perceptible at the lot line. Noise shall not be perceptible at the lot lines to the extent that it results in a public nuisance or is in violation of the municipal Noise Ordinance.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: See Ch. 10, Part 2, Excessive Noise.
B. 
Waste and Manure. All areas for the keeping of domesticated chicken or fowl must be kept in a manner that conforms to all applicable health or safety codes and regulations and the disposal of waste and manure must be in a manner to ensure the public health and safety.
C. 
Containment and Safety. All fowl, regulated by this Part, shall be maintained and housed in such a manner as to ensure that they do not leave the owner's property. The fowl shall not be permitted to wander into public areas.