Clearwater allows residents in single-family homes to keep up to four backyard hens under Chapter 8, but bans roosters, slaughtering, and free-roaming chickens, with coop screening and setback rules.
Clearwater Code of Ordinances Chapter 8 (Animals), amended in 2021, permits residents of detached single-family dwellings to keep up to four hens without a permit. Roosters are prohibited, as are the sale of chickens or eggs and the slaughter of birds within city limits. Chickens must be kept in a covered coop with an attached run; free-ranging is not allowed. Coops and runs must comply with city setback rules and be screened from public view. Larger livestock such as cattle, goats, swine, and horses are generally restricted to agricultural zoning districts. Enforcement is complaint-driven and addresses noise, odor, sanitation, and escape issues.
Code compliance citation, removal of birds, daily fines through Clearwater's Municipal Code Enforcement Board, and abatement costs for sanitation violations.
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