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DeLand commission approves first reading to allow up to four backyard chickens; roosters banned
Summary
On July 7 the DeLand City Commission approved on first reading a text amendment to allow up to four urban/backyard chickens in certain single‑family zones, with performance standards, a permit and a prohibition on roosters and other fowl.
The DeLand City Commission on July 7 approved on first reading an ordinance to allow residents in specified single‑family zoning districts to keep up to four backyard chickens, with a permit, performance standards and prohibitions on roosters and other types of fowl.
City planning staff said the amendment would add a new code section (33‑27.06) and modify section 33‑27.05 to permit urban chickens in RR, R R, R1AA, R1A, R1B and R1 districts under a chicken permit. Planning representative Carol **** said the proposal includes a $100 permit fee that can be reduced to $50 after the applicant presents proof of completing a University of Florida IFAS online class about chicken care and egg safety.
Why it matters: the change would allow residents who do not have rural lots to keep a small number of hens for personal use, while the rules aim to limit nuisance impacts on neighbors through standards for coop size, enclosure security, manure management and a prohibition on free‑range or mobile coops.
Key details: the draft ordinance limits households to four hens, bans roosters, ducks, geese, turkeys, peafowl and similar animals, and caps the combined coop and run at 100 square feet. Coops must be in the rear yard, immobile, covered and ventilated; enclosures must be predator‑proof and meet University of Florida guidance; manure must be managed in a fly‑proof bin at least 20 feet from property lines. Selling eggs, breeding chickens or slaughtering on site are prohibited.
Enforcement and process: staff said the permit includes an affidavit that authorizes staff to inspect the property if complaints arise. Code enforcement officers would investigate complaints and the hearing officer process would be used for appeals or to authorize removal of birds when violations are not remedied. Planning staff told commissioners the city modeled many provisions on peer jurisdictions and UF IFAS recommendations.
Public input and next steps: staff reported one written objection from a resident in a homeowners association, which staff noted would remain governed by HOA covenants. The ordinance requires a second reading; commissioners approved first reading by unanimous roll call (5‑0), sending the measure to a second reading on a future date.
Quotes: "No matter how you dress them up, we're proposing only four," Carol ****, representing planning, said during the public hearing.
Ending: The ordinance will return for a second reading; staff recommended the tighter standards to reduce potential nuisance impacts given the smaller lot sizes in the city.
