Number. No more than six hens shall be allowed for each taxable parcel, whether single-family or a multiple dwelling. If chickens are kept at a rental property, the owner of the chickens must maintain a current written authorization for the keeping of chickens on the property signed by the property owner or authorized agent.

Setbacks. Coops or cages housing chickens must be at least 25 feet from any door or window of any dwelling other than the owner's dwelling. Coops and cages shall also be located at least five feet from both the rear and side yard lot lines. Coops and cages shall not be located in the front yard.

Enclosure. Hens shall be provided with a covered, predator-proof coop or cages that are well ventilated and designed to be easily accessed for cleaning. The coop shall allow at least two square feet per hen. Hens shall have access to an outdoor enclosure that is adequately fenced to contain the birds on the property and to prevent predators from access to the birds. Hens shall not be allowed out of these enclosures.

Sanitation. The coop and outdoor enclosure must be kept in a sanitary condition and free from offensive odors. The coop and outdoor enclosure must be cleaned on a regular basis to prevent the accumulation of waste and odor.

Slaughtering. Outdoor slaughtering of chickens is prohibited.

Roosters. It is unlawful for any person to keep roosters in the Village of Potsdam.

A biennial permit to keep chickens is required, which shall be issued by the Village Clerk's office, and which shall thereafter be filed and maintained in the Code Enforcement Office. The fee for such permit shall be set from time to time by resolution of the Village Board of Trustees. Permits can be revoked at the discretion of the Code Enforcement Office at any time for failure to abide by these requirements.

The name, working phone number, and address of the applicant.

Whether the property is rented or owner occupied; if rented, a copy of a letter from the property owner consenting to the issuance of a permit to keep chickens.

Consent from the applicant for the inspection of the outdoor premises of the property at reasonable times by the Village or its agent to confirm compliance with the provisions of this article.

Acknowledgment of the receipt of an information packet from the Village Clerk which includes a copy of this article, together with information regarding the proper maintenance and handling of domestic chickens in a residential environment.