(Horicon) Residents in the city of Horicon will be able to keep up to six chickens on their property as part of an ordinance adopted this week. The vote was four in favor with two opposed.
Chickens are now allowed on parcels zoned single-family or two-family residential. Renters will need to provide written approval of the landowner as part of the application process. Chickens are not permitted in mobile home parks, multi-family residential properties with more than two units or on vacant properties, unless the person requesting the permit resides in the abutting property.
The permit, which is good for one year at a time, requires a site plan detailing the location of the coop in relation to existing structures. Neighbors do not get to sign off on the approval. The ordinance also details building materials that are to be used, sanitation requirements and other technical specs.
The chickens must be confined to a specific area and cannot be “free range.” Roosters are not allowed. Fines for violating the ordinance are between $50 and $200 per day of noncompliance and the possible impounding of the chickens.
