Upset kids in Harrison Township PA, outside of Pittsburgh, PA

[jspinn]

We had it all planned out and we were ready to raise some chicks this spring and transfer to a coop outside for summer. But, after much searching for a few weeks I finally found the ordinance that says as follows:

1. The provisions of this § 302.1 shall apply where and only where the principal use of the property is agricultural. Accessory farm buildings shall not be erected within 100 feet of a neighboring property.
A. Feed lots, runs, pens, and similar intensively used facilities for animal raising and care shall not be located within 300 feet of a neighboring property.

We live in the R-1 zoning, borderline to a C-1 (conservation zone, whatever that means??) but even if we were in C-1 I don't have 300 ft. from the neighbor and our property is not used for agriculture. I would just go ahead anyway and take our chances, but we have a neighbor who yells even if our parties outside don't have a permit. Any other thoughts?

 

[missnu01]

Sounds like you will have to try to lobby to get that changed...or call the permit office and see what they say. I was worried about dealing with permits and what not...but it wasn't too bad. The people were friendly and able to point me in all the directions I needed to go. I wouldn't want to live somewhere that tells me what I can and can't do. Actually if it was up to me I would never see another person for miles, but sadly we aren't that lucky...we have 4 acres in a rural community, but the neighbors are within my sight line...which bugs the crap out of me...If I have to run outside in my undies I don't want anyone to see...no outdoor nudity here. Lol.

 

[cafarmgirl]

We had it all planned out and we were ready to raise some chicks this spring and transfer to a coop outside for summer. But, after much searching for a few weeks I finally found the ordinance that says as follows:

1. The provisions of this § 302.1 shall apply where and only where the principal use of the property is agricultural. Accessory farm buildings shall not be erected within 100 feet of a neighboring property.
A. Feed lots, runs, pens, and similar intensively used facilities for animal raising and care shall not be located within 300 feet of a neighboring property.

We live in the R-1 zoning, borderline to a C-1 (conservation zone, whatever that means??) but even if we were in C-1 I don't have 300 ft. from the neighbor and our property is not used for agriculture. I would just go ahead anyway and take our chances, but we have a neighbor who yells even if our parties outside don't have a permit. Any other thoughts?

If this provision applies "only where the principal use of the property is agricultural..." and your property is not ag, then does this even apply to you? If you want to be clear on where you stand and if neighbor's are a potential problem you might want to call the city and ask for clarification.

 

[Talihofarms]

We had it all planned out and we were ready to raise some chicks this spring and transfer to a coop outside for summer. But, after much searching for a few weeks I finally found the ordinance that says as follows:

1. The provisions of this § 302.1 shall apply where and only where the principal use of the property is agricultural. Accessory farm buildings shall not be erected within 100 feet of a neighboring property.
A. Feed lots, runs, pens, and similar intensively used facilities for animal raising and care shall not be located within 300 feet of a neighboring property.

We live in the R-1 zoning, borderline to a C-1 (conservation zone, whatever that means??) but even if we were in C-1 I don't have 300 ft. from the neighbor and our property is not used for agriculture. I would just go ahead anyway and take our chances, but we have a neighbor who yells even if our parties outside don't have a permit. Any other thoughts?

I deal with Municipalities in my Business.
My suggestion is that you to call your local " Planning and Development Office ".
Simply ask them about the ordinance regarding chickens on R-1.
You will get the question answered, even if you don't like the answer.
You would be best served to go right to the source before your problematic neighbor gets involved.

 

[jspinn]

I did call the zoning guy at our municipality and he said no, he read this exact ordinance and said I cannot do it

 

[jspinn]

I am going to go in person and ask about the "where and only where its agriculutural" part, plus I want to look at the zoning map which they don't have online. Thanks for the idea cafarmgirl!

 

[lolosaurusrex]

Any update on this? I, too live in Harrison Twp. and have 2 chicks I want to raise for eggs. We sit on about 2 acres, with plenty of room.

 

[worldwanderer05]

I found this:

http://www.harrisontwp.us/Governmen...MP-REEXAM-10-20-083-1ST-AMENDMNT-02-17-09.pdf

which says that you need a minimum of two acres to have up to 50 chickens. I say, what about 2-4? Why the excessive acreage for just a few? I think it's worth petitioning, especially if they're just pet chickens that you happen to rob eggs from, rather than an actual farm or farmette. I am also planning on calling to verify. Then the next step would be to get really friendly with the neighbors and be inconspicuous .

 

[duckies1230]

I was researching and ran across this. Is there anyone our there that can keep this thread going? I have a few questions about Harrison township's rules!!!!help!

 

[babyrosa]

I too would like more info. On back yard chickens. Just for the eggs. Growing some food and keeping 2 or 3 chickens may keep some of us off the food stamp program