# Springcoop

This site is designed to be a convenient repository of information concerning urban chicken farming.

# Why urban chickens?

The cost of food continues to increase, and at the same time the quality (taste, nutrient value) of store bought food steadily declines. Home gardens are good start for improving your family's diet, and similarly chickens can help by producing backyard eggs!

# Benefits from having your own hens

• Farm fresh eggs
• Free fertilizer for your garden
• Productive disposal of food scraps. The chickens will eat whatever you don't
• Practical education of permaculture and sustainability for all participants
• Fun discussions - if you have chickens you have stories!
• Responsible farming leads to positive relationships with neighbors

# Laws for the state of Ohio

• Backyard chickens are allowed in most residential areas, but some cities and counties have specific regulations or ordinances in place
• Chickens must be provided with adequate shelter, food, water, and medical care
• Chickens must be kept in a secure coop or fenced area to prevent escape and to protect them from predators
• Chicken waste must be properly disposed of to prevent odors and attract rodents
• Roosters may be prohibited in some residential areas due to noise concerns

# Nearby large cities

Cincinnati and Dayton both allow urban farming, including chickens, with common sense restrictions.

# Nearby smaller cities/villages

Glendale, Sharonville, Wyoming, and Montgomery all allow chickens. Generally speaking, more affluent suburbs tend to have fewer restrictions with "urban farming".

# City of Montgomery Rules:

Residents are permitted to keep up to six chickens (hens only, no roosters) or rabbits and kept in an enclosed structure. Animal enclosures require a zoning permit and must be constructed no closer than 15 feet to the side and rear property lines. The animal enclosure may not be visible from the public street and appropriately screened from abutting properties with landscaping, a fence or a wall constructed and maintained according to the Code. The same setback requirements also apply to rabbit hutches, dog houses or other types of animal enclosures.

# Ohio State House Bill 124 - Allow small livestock on residential property

This bill was introduced in the 131st General Assembly (2015-2016) and reintroduced in the 132nd (2017-2018) followed by the 133rd (2019-2020). The bill has not been reintroduced in the two previous General Assemblies.

# Ohio Bill Summary

• Allows a property owner to keep, harbor, breed, or maintain goats, chickens and similar fowl, and rabbits and similar small animals (“small livestock”) unless one of the following applies:
  • The small livestock create a nuisance;
  • The small livestock are kept in a manner which causes noxious odors or unsanitary conditions that result in a public health concern;
  • The structure used to house the small livestock is not solidly constructed, not of an adequate size necessary to house the small livestock in a comfortable and sanitary manner, or not kept more than ten feet from neighboring property lines; and
  • The number of small livestock kept on the property exceeds the amount allowed under the bill, as determined by the acreage of the property and the type of small livestock kept.

Full text of legislation