Chickens in Olney

The City of Olney would like to announce that residents who live on privately owned property within Residential Zones R-1 and R-2 may keep up to six (6) chickens on the premises of their land according to the ordinance. If you are a renter, please be aware that you should secure permission from your landlord before keeping chickens on your premises. While most residents live within residential zones R-1 and R-2, if you are unsure of what zone you are in please check with City Hall before placing any new structures, or keeping chickens because there are still several zones they are not allowed in. The following are important to keep in mind:

1. No roosters, turkeys, ducks, geese, guineas, swans, or other types of fowl are allowed.

2. Chicken coops shall provide 5 square feet of space per chicken.

3. Chickens shall have an exercise area of at least 15 square feet that is completely enclosed.

4. Chickens may not run at large, even in your yard.

5. Must be kept in rear yard (backyard).

6. Owners must clean chicken coops and exercises area once per week, but if odors or disease emanate from the area, the city may require it to be cleaned up to once per day.

7. Chicken coops/ shelters and exercise areas must:

- Not exceed twenty

(20) feet in height

- No closer than five

(5) feet to any rear or side lot line.

- May not occupy more than twenty-five

(25) percent of the rear yard (backyard).