"Except in AG-1 districts, no person shall breed or maintain farm animals, fowl, or other livestock within Polk City."
Hello! Long-time owner of chickens in Indiana, but recently found myself in Polk City, Florida, leaving my silkies with some family in Indiana. Now I absolutely take some blame here for not doing more research, but I was told by multiple people, realtor and previous owner included, before I purchased my property, that hens would be allowed within city limits in Polk City. I didn't question it at the time, as I know surrounding Polk County cities do allow small flocks. There's even a Farm and Feed supply store right down the road that sells chicks/ducklings! The city itself has a very rural feel.
I don't live in a neighborhood with an HOA, and I'm on a bit less than half an acre of land, but unfortunately, we're zoned R, not AG. I guess my question is... Is there a specific reason that anyone knows of, as to why we're the only city in Polk that doesn't allow even a small flock of hens? If not, does anyone have any advice on how I'd go about contacting the city or making a case? I'm also permanently disabled, so it's virtually impossible for me to get out there and gather signatures, which I know would increase the chance of success. On a related note, I would not be able to go forward and advocate for it either in front of any council, but I would be able to write to someone, which, I'm not sure if that's even a possibility.
Any guidance would be appreciated. I miss my silkies so much, as they are my pets, and they gave me a routine, a reason to go outside: To care for them. I definitely regret not doing more research on this location.
Hello! Long-time owner of chickens in Indiana, but recently found myself in Polk City, Florida, leaving my silkies with some family in Indiana. Now I absolutely take some blame here for not doing more research, but I was told by multiple people, realtor and previous owner included, before I purchased my property, that hens would be allowed within city limits in Polk City. I didn't question it at the time, as I know surrounding Polk County cities do allow small flocks. There's even a Farm and Feed supply store right down the road that sells chicks/ducklings! The city itself has a very rural feel.
I don't live in a neighborhood with an HOA, and I'm on a bit less than half an acre of land, but unfortunately, we're zoned R, not AG. I guess my question is... Is there a specific reason that anyone knows of, as to why we're the only city in Polk that doesn't allow even a small flock of hens? If not, does anyone have any advice on how I'd go about contacting the city or making a case? I'm also permanently disabled, so it's virtually impossible for me to get out there and gather signatures, which I know would increase the chance of success. On a related note, I would not be able to go forward and advocate for it either in front of any council, but I would be able to write to someone, which, I'm not sure if that's even a possibility.
Any guidance would be appreciated. I miss my silkies so much, as they are my pets, and they gave me a routine, a reason to go outside: To care for them. I definitely regret not doing more research on this location.
