Durham allows up to 10 female chickens per lot with a Limited Agriculture Permit under UDO Sec. 5.4.12. Roosters are prohibited. Coops must sit 15 feet from property lines.
Article 5.4.12 of the Durham Unified Development Ordinance authorizes the keeping of domestic chickens as an accessory use on single-family residential lots. A Limited Agriculture Permit is required. Residents may keep up to 10 female chickens for personal use only. Roosters are not permitted within city limits due to noise concerns. Coops must be at least 15 feet from any property line or right-of-way and 40 feet from neighboring residences. Minimum floor area is 3 square feet per chicken, and coops require 1 square foot of window per 15 square feet of floor area. Chickens must be secured in the coop during non-daylight hours. The selling of eggs, chicks, adult chickens, manure, or produce fertilized with chicken manure is prohibited. The permit process requires notice to neighbors, and if any neighbor objects, the application undergoes administrative review. After permit issuance, the Durham Planning Department inspects the property for compliance.
Operating without a Limited Agriculture Permit or violating permit conditions may result in permit revocation. Uses must not create a nuisance, and odor must not be perceptible at property boundaries. Noise from chickens must not disturb people of reasonable sensitivity at property boundaries. Violations are handled through code enforcement.
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