The group Chicks 4 Flower Mound drafted this proposed ordinance that would allow residents to keep backyard chickens in Flower Mound:
Chapter 6 Animals, Article 8 Fowl, Rabbits and Guinea Pigs
Sections 6-281 Enclosure Requirements
a) Fowl, rabbits and guinea pigs must be kept indoors, or if outdoors, in a secure pen or enclosure. Litter and droppings from these animals must be collected and disposed of in accordance with section 6-42; provided, however that the provisions of this section shall not apply to ducks or other waterfowl inhabiting natural or man made watercourses or bodies of water.
b) Poultry or chicken coops shall not be located closer than 20 feet of any neighboring residential dwelling.
c) Poultry may be kept on single-family residential lots in a fenced backyard at the ratio of three (3) hens on lots under 6000 square feet with an additional hen per additional 2,000 square feet of total lot area.
d) The following restrictions apply to the keeping of chickens on all residential properties:
- The principal use of the property is a single-family residential dwelling.
- Chickens must be kept in a manner that will not disturb the use and enjoyment of neighboring lots due to noise, odor, or other adverse impacts.
- On lots less than one acre, no person may keep a rooster. Noise restrictions for chickens shall be in accordance with section 34-182.b.1.
- Chickens must be kept securely in a chicken coop overnight. The coop must be enclosed, well- constructed, weather resistant, well-ventilated, predator resistant, well maintained and provide a minimum of 2 square feet of area per chicken kept.
- In addition to a chicken coop, an adjoining outdoor area sufficient to contain chickens on the owner’s property shall be provided allowing a minimum of 4 square feet of area per chicken kept. Chickens must be kept in a manner that they are not allowed to roam to neighboring properties, or to public right-of-ways, and in accordance with ordinance 6-45.
- Chickens must be cared for in a humane manner with adequate feed, water, shade, and shelter at all times. Feed and water shall be kept in a manner so it is not available to wild birds, rodents or potential predators.
- Litter and droppings must be disposed of, composted, or used as fertilizer in an environmentally responsible manner. It must not produce odors or unclean conditions and be in compliance with ordinance section 6-44.
- Portable coops (chicken tractors) are allowed, but must meet the requirements of permanent coops outlined above.