Columbus, MS can I have Chickens? Here is the ordinance.

[blake101]

I can't make heads or tails of all of this, can someone look at this and tell me if I can have Chickens? Here is the link, the animal section starts on page 349.

http://www.thecityofcolumbusms.org/columbus_files/ColumbusMSRepublicationwithtabplaceholders.pdf

 

[Ridgerunner]

I'm not a lawyer and I certainly did not read every word. A quick look implies to me that you can keep chickens as long as you keep them confined to your property, keep the smell and flies under control, and they don't make a lot of noise. I did not see a requirement for a permit since they are not "dangerous" animals. If I were in your situation, I'd find out who the animal control officer is and talk to them. A non-emergency call to your local police department should point you in the right direction, since this was listed as a police duty. I think you are in pretty good shape.

Good luck!!!

 

[Joz]

What is the zoning designation for your property?

 

[LarryPQ]

https://www.backyardchickens.com/laws/search.php

I believe Columbus is complete....I think

 

[blake101]

Need some more opinions. Can someone help me?
Thanks Blake

 

[AndrewH]

From what I gather:

Chickens are fine.

You cannot kill the chickens, you have to have the chickens vaccinated for rabies yearly, they much be in a coop/enclosure and remain in your yard/on your property at all times, you are no longer allowed to keep them if your neighbors complain about noise or poop/smell. You may be forced and/or fined if the chickens attack or peck someone under the dangerous animal laws.

Seems pretty straight forward. You can have them, just don't let them bother anyone and you'll be fine.

I think the specific "animal cruelty" laws are taken from the state level, so they would probably have the maximum number of birds allowed per land size, etc.

HTH

P.S. I'm an engineer by trade, so I have to read and interrupt City Codes and Ordinances all the time. Not that I'm an expert and I'm not a lawyer, so take my law advice/suggestions at your own risk or with a grain of salt

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[LarryPQ]

Did you look at the new LORE tool? It is AWESOME.

Here is Columbus' entry.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/laws/display.php?State=OH&City=Columbus&actions=search

I interpret this as "yes" you can have chickens. THe big issue will be the restrictions on placement of the coop. If your parcel is not big enough, you will not be able to keep chickens. However, to get a definate answer, you will need to call your City Clerk.

 

[blake101]

Quote:
Thank you for your help, but I think that one is for Ohio instead Mississippi.

 

[LarryPQ]

Sooo did you search for your city then? It exists.

Coopa and I verified them all.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/laws/display.php?State=MS&City=Columbus&actions=search

 

[blake101]

Quote:
The last time I visited it, it didn't exist, someone must have updated it in the last few days. Thanks so much for your help. I have 6 Red Stars chicks. Can't wait to get them in the back yard.