"Can I raise chickens in my backyard?"
This isn't an uncommon question among homebuyers in both urban and suburban markets these days. Whether the idea is formed before the home search begins, or whether buyers have been introduced to the concept during showing tours where other homeowners proudly display their 'home grown' eggs harvested on the kitchen counter, buyers are starting to tune in to local ordinances and selecting cities within the DFW Metroplex that permit backyard coops.
Why Raise Chickens?
Although the primary motive is typically focused on egg production, chickens actually make fun and friendly pets, and can be good security alarms to boot. Chickens are generally easy to care for, and can be a wonderful introduction for children to learn the responsibility of caring for animals. Depending on the volume of egg production, a backyard chicken coop can also be an introduction to the business world for older children, or a supplementary source of income for the household.
The gardening benefits are another reason homeowners fancy chickens. From chemical-free bug and weed control, to the hearty fertilizer byproduct, chickens are viewed as an asset by many organic gardeners.
Are Backyard Chickens Legal in Your City?
In the Dallas / Fort worth Metroplex and surrounding communities, ordinances vary from city to city. Also, even if permitted by the city, a homeowner buying within a mandatory HOA would be subject to deed restrictions on top of city ordinances, so it is important to check both sources.
For a quick resource, consider www.backyardchickens.com for a running list of cities by state. Although not yet comprehensive and not guaranteed, it is a good start if you are self-checking possible areas of interest around DFW.
Are There Other Concerns?
Cities who have not yet passed ordinances to permit backyard chicken coops tout concerns relating to possible disease transmission, nuisance issues (predator attraction, noise), stray handling, and liability issues relating to neighbor disputes and complaints.
Whatever your view, if you are researching areas within the DFW Metroplex and would like assistance finding out what the ordinances are for a city of interest, feel free to contact Providence Group Realty at 469.645.6363, or email your request to info@providencegrouprealty.com.
Comments(10)