Local Law No. P-5 of the year 2022.
Introduced by Mayor Rosenquest on September 15, 2022 at a Regular Meeting of the Common Council.
Public Hearing held on Thursday, October 6, 2022 at 5:00pm in the Council Chambers, 41 City Hall Place, Plattsburgh, NY 12901.
A local law amending Chapter 360, Article II, Section 360-5 entitled “Terms Defined” by amending the definition of “Livestock” to exclude laying hens and amending Chapter 360, Article IV, Section 360-13(E) to regulate the keeping of hens per the City Code of the City of Plattsburgh.
The purpose of this Local Law is to permit and regulate the keeping of laying hens within the City of Plattsburgh and to ensure that the keeping of laying hens does not pose a health and safety threat to the residents of the City and to ensure the humane treatment of laying hens.
Be it enacted by the Common Council of the City of Plattsburgh as follows:
- Chapter 360, Article II, Section 360-5 definition of “Livestock” is hereby amended and replaced in its entirety and will read as follows: “Livestock- Farm animals kept for use, for propagation, or for intended profit or gain and without limiting the generality of the foregoing, includes: dairy and beef cattle, horses, swine, sheep, roosters, turkeys, goats, geese, mink and rabbits. Laying hens, raised in accordance with this Chapter, are not included within the definition of Livestock.”
- Chapter 360, Article IV, Section 360-13(E) is hereby amended and replaced in its entirety and will read as follows: “E. The maintenance of livestock is specifically prohibited within the City of Plattsburgh. However, six or less female chickens (i.e. hens or laying hens) are permitted per parcel so long as the parcel is greater than 2,000 square feet in size. Roosters are not permitted within the City of Plattsburgh. At all times all hens shall be contained within an enclosed coop that is constructed in a manner that is secure from dogs, vermin, and other predators. The coop structure must provide at least 4 square feet of area per hen and must not exceed 144 square feet and, where applicable, shall require a building permit as an accessory structure. In addition, an outdoor fence run/range area is required and must be constructed in a manner that contains the hens and provides at least 10 square feet per hen. Laying hens shall be provided with adequate water and food. No coop structure or fenced run shall be located within existing structure setback requirements of the zone in which the property is located; within the front yard of the parcel; or on any parcel within 5 feet from any property line.
- This Local Law shall take effect immediately upon approval by the Mayor and filing with the New York Secretary of State.
