MARCH 12, 2013 BACKYARD HENS IN RESIDENTIAL DISTRICTS ORDINANCE BCC WORKSESSION BACKYARD HENS IN RESIDENTIAL DISTRICTS ORDINANCE BCC WORKSESSION

Outline  Background  Program Standards  General Standards  Performance Standards  Next Steps  Requested Action

Background  BCC discussion on November 13, 2012  Nationwide trend  Benefits  Chemical free eggs  Back yard food production  Urban-country lifestyle  Summary of City of Orlando Pilot Program  2 year program  25 households  Max. 3 hens  Previous BCC Direction- prepare a pilot program  Today’s objective- review/discuss program parameters

General Standards  Zoning:Detached single family districts  HOA input:Require written approval  Permits/Fee:Permit and fee required  Education:must complete training class  Breeding:Breeding prohibited  Roosters:Roosters prohibited  Eggs:No sale of eggs from house  Enforcement:Code Enforcement Division

Performance Standards  Number of permits for pilot program  Duration of Pilot Program and Grandfathering  Number of hens  Coop standards & location

Number of Permits to Issue  City of Orlando Pilot – 25 permits  Population to permit ratio – 75 permits in County  Distribution of permits:  Allow 13 permits per Commission District  Allows program to be tested throughout County (geographic distribution)  Allow 75 permits regardless of Commission District  May concentrate program in fewer districts  Staff Recommends 13 permits per Commission District

Program Duration/Grandfathering  Adequate time to measure the benefits and performance of the program  Staff recommends a 2 year pilot program.  Pilot program will sunset in 2 years, unless BCC extends the pilot, or codifies pilot as permanent zoning code amendment  If pilot program sunsets  Remove hens within 30 days  Grandfather hens for applicant’s use indefinitely (no replacement)  Grandfather hens for a maximum of 10 years (no replacement)  Staff Recommends 10 year maximum, no replacement (accounts for average chicken lifespan)

Number of Hens  Statewide average is allowing 3 or 4 hens  Staff Recommends 3 hens per permit

Chicken Coop Standards  Coop / Pen standards  Coop Height – 6’  Locate in rear yard  Pen Height – 6’  Maximum 100 sqft footprint  Setbacks – 10’ from lot line  Minimum 25’ from adjacent single-family residence  Coop may remain absent hens

Coop Photo

Summary of Standards  # of Permits:78  Duration of program:2 years  Grandfathering:10 years (no replacement); coops may remain  # of hens:3  Coop standards:100 sq. ft.; hens must remain within fenced enclosures at all times  Setbacks:10 ft. from side and rear lot lines; 25 ft, from any adjacent home

Next Steps  Prepare Ordinance  LPA, BCC public hearings  Prepare program guidelines  Implement pilot program

Requested Action  BCC direction to proceed with drafting and processing pilot program ordinance