Does anyone understand the Ohio revised code on chickens? I don’t. Need help.

[Chickadeechick1993]

Hi! I am new to chicken keeping and was hoping to build a coop and raise around 14 laying hens.
I live in Medina, specifically York Township. When I called zoning they said I would have to look into the Ohio revised code to see what I can do regarding chickens as they go by ORC. The only problem is I can’t for the life of me figure it out. I live in low density residential, on 2.25 acres. The zoning guy didn’t seem to be able to help me much and said I don’t need a permit for a structure under certain amount of square feet. I’m just nervous about getting chickens and then having to re-home after the fact because neighbors complain. Can anyone help me? Initially I didn’t think we had any restrictions because when we bought our property it was zoned residential agricultural but 2 months later and they changed the zoning.. yeah husbands PISSED. So anyone who could help me make heads or tails of this would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Chicken_tiger_catt]

Hi! I am new to chicken keeping and was hoping to build a coop and raise around 14 laying hens.
I live in Medina, specifically York Township. When I called zoning they said I would have to look into the Ohio revised code to see what I can do regarding chickens as they go by ORC. The only problem is I can’t for the life of me figure it out. I live in low density residential, on 2.25 acres. The zoning guy didn’t seem to be able to help me much and said I don’t need a permit for a structure under certain amount of square feet. I’m just nervous about getting chickens and then having to re-home after the fact because neighbors complain. Can anyone help me? Initially I didn’t think we had any restrictions because when we bought our property it was zoned residential agricultural but 2 months later and they changed the zoning.. yeah husbands PISSED. So anyone who could help me make heads or tails of this would be greatly appreciated.

I had a flock of Rhode Island Reds when I lived in Newark. as long as the city or township allows chickens, you should be able to house a small flock. however some towns, like Zanesville, don't allow any chickens. so it isn't so much a code issue as it is local legislation. I would say you can have chickens, just be careful if you're planning on selling eggs or meat, because that is regulated.

 

[Chickadeechick1993]

I had a flock of Rhode Island Reds when I lived in Newark. as long as the city or township allows chickens, you should be able to house a small flock. however some towns, like Zanesville, don't allow any chickens. so it isn't so much a code issue as it is local legislation. I would say you can have chickens, just be careful if you're planning on selling eggs or meat, because that is regulated.

Thank you for your reply! I am not planning to sell eggs or meat. I am just planning to have a small flock and a chicken tractor as I don’t have a fence and am worried about the safety of the flock while free ranging.

 

[FowlProtector]

To navigate the zoning rules for keeping chickens in York Township, Medina, you’ll need to look at the Ohio Revised Code (ORC) and the local York Township zoning code. Local codes can have more specific rules on livestock, including chickens, so it’s important to verify any restrictions on the number of chickens, coop size, and setbacks from property lines. You might not need a permit for a small coop, but it’s crucial to confirm the size limit. Also, consider discussing the situation with your neighbors to prevent potential conflicts.

 

[Chickadeechick1993]

To navigate the zoning rules for keeping chickens in York Township, Medina, you’ll need to look at the Ohio Revised Code (ORC) and the local York Township zoning code. Local codes can have more specific rules on livestock, including chickens, so it’s important to verify any restrictions on the number of chickens, coop size, and setbacks from property lines. You might not need a permit for a small coop, but it’s crucial to confirm the size limit. Also, consider discussing the situation with your neighbors to prevent potential conflicts.

Thank you for your comment! So York township doesn’t have any specific zoning restrictions around livestock. However when speaking with them they said that the ORC is what they go by. So I was trying to decipher the ORC. I’m not sure what limitation the ORC has for backyard chickens and I am having a hard time understanding it.

 

[rosemarythyme]

You need to post the ordinance(s) you're referring to, can't feedback or assess without seeing it.

Generally in addition to any livestock ordinances you also need to look at noise and building as well, though you've said there's no restrictions as long as the building is under a certain size.

 

[saysfaa]

I think this is the section of the code that applies to your situation

https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised-code/title-9

Some of this section doesn't apply but I think it is narrow enough for you get what you need.

There could be more zoning that applies to you according to the following two sections (one allows counties to add zoning requirements to unincorporated parts and the other allows townships to do the same):

https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised-code/chapter-303

https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised-code/section-303.21

But I think if that were the case, the person you talked to would have answered differentlly.

There could also be more if your property is within city limits. I looked briefly at the zoning of Medina and didn't see anything applicable to you as a practical matter except the setbacks for accessory buildings. If I were you, I would ask the city for a printed copy of the current zoning ordinance as the online version looks a little ... unfinished? My best guess is that isn't all of it or they are working on developing their zoning ordinance.

I am not a lawyer. Or anything else with authority or responsibility in these matters. I'm nothing more than a random person on the internet who has some interest in understanding laws and codes.

 

[Chickadeechick1993]

I think this is the section of the code that applies to your situation

https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised-code/title-9

Some of this section doesn't apply but I think it is narrow enough for you get what you need.

There could be more zoning that applies to you according to the following two sections (one allows counties to add zoning requirements to unincorporated parts and the other allows townships to do the same):

https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised-code/chapter-303

https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised-code/section-303.21

But I think if that were the case, the person you talked to would have answered differentlly.

There could also be more if your property is within city limits. I looked briefly at the zoning of Medina and didn't see anything applicable to you as a practical matter except the setbacks for accessory buildings. If I were you, I would ask the city for a printed copy of the current zoning ordinance as the online version looks a little ... unfinished? My best guess is that isn't all of it or they are working on developing their zoning ordinance.

I am not a lawyer. Or anything else with authority or responsibility in these matters. I'm nothing more than a random person on the internet who has some interest in understanding laws and codes.

Thank you for your response! That first code was the code I thought applied as well. So after further research we are in a pud overlay district. I’ll attach a map.

https://yorktwp.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/York-Township-Zoning-Map-updated-2024.pdf

I’ve been trying to understand if that means I’m in a pud. A pud is normally used in the case of home owners association and I am not in a home owners association. However i am not sure if the laws around animal keeping will still apply.

The zoning director said that our property is outside of the normal codes and regulations for the pud even though we are in an overlay. He told us to go by the Ohio revised code. And that we are basically an R1 but in an overlay (This was the answer given when asked specifically about chicken keeping). The trouble I’m having is the Ohio revised code says something along the lines of poultry husbandry is only allowed if you are between 1-5 acres and not in a subdivision. This is per ORC 519.21

https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised-code/section-519.21

It also goes along with what he said.

I’m not technically in a subdivision, but I am on “platted land” also I feel like the zoning director was being vague and that scares me because what if not everyone agrees with the interpretation I have (and he has) of the law? He didn’t give me a straight answer. It was basically that he only worries about the building aspect so just follow the ORC on the chickens. I wanted a yes or no answer. Even though it’s somewhat yes, it left me to interpret the laws.. and that’s confusing.

The other thing that has me worried is the original land was technically subdivided before we bought our parcel from a private seller. He divided parcels from his family farm. Could this be interpreted as a subdivision by law? 303.21 has me worried because I think (2) applies to my land but what if it’s (3) that applies? (3) says that animal husbandry on lots greater than 1 but less than 5 when at least 35% in the subdivision are developed animal husbandry becomes non conforming use.

Anyways, I think my neighbors are okay with it after further investigation, however, I have seen posts where the neighbors said yes until they said no. And then everything turned a mess.
So yeah, I guess I’m probably worked up over nothing but you never know what can happen. I don’t want to put innocent lives at risk with my choices.

And no problem, I’m not a lawyer either. I won’t take anything you say as legal advice. I’m just thankful for everyone’s help. This seems daunting to me. Haha probably silly but you never know when there is a chicken hating Karen around the corner.

 

[Chickadeechick1993]

You need to post the ordinance(s) you're referring to, can't feedback or assess without seeing it.

Generally in addition to any livestock ordinances you also need to look at noise and building as well, though you've said there's no restrictions as long as the building is under a certain size.

Thanks for your comment! I posted some of the ordinances I was looking at in regard to the ORC below.

 

[saysfaa]

Thank you for your response! That first code was the code I thought applied as well. So after further research we are in a pud overlay district. I’ll attach a map.

https://yorktwp.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/York-Township-Zoning-Map-updated-2024.pdf

I’ve been trying to understand if that means I’m in a pud. A pud is normally used in the case of home owners association and I am not in a home owners association. However i am not sure if the laws around animal keeping will still apply.

The zoning director said that our property is outside of the normal codes and regulations for the pud even though we are in an overlay. He told us to go by the Ohio revised code. ...

Yes. I saw that. It says "may....regulate" in specific ways. The specific ways being dependent on the sizes of the parcels, what percent of the parcels have been developed, and so on.

The way he answered indicates they have not exercised that option.

I didn't notice the pud part. I'll look into it.