The City of Orlando adopted an amendment in 2016 that codified a Backyard Chicken Pilot Program, allowing for 100 households citywide to sign up to keep chickens on their property.
The program allows urban chicken farming in approved areas with a maximum of four hens per household. The chicken keeper would just need to participate in a chicken care course to receive a permit for a Planning Official determination that documented their participation and plans for their coop. To date, the city has issued roughly 86 determinations for approved chicken coops in city limits.
As they near the 100-household participant ceiling, city staff is asking to remove the limit on the number of approved coops moving forward. The Municipal Planning Board is expected to approve the request at the next MPB meeting on August 20, 2024.
Existing rules for urban coops include:
- Chicken coops must be located in the rear yard. They will not be allowed in side yards or front yard.
- The coop, pen, or chicken tractor must be a minimum of 20 feet from any neighboring residential homes and at least five feet from the principal structure of the subject property. And at least five feet from any property line.
- Chicken coops must be less than 50 SF and have an attached run. the coop must also be tied down for wind resistance.
- Applicant must submit photos of the proposed site and coop areas, a survey of the subject property, and proof of completion of a University of Florida Agricultural Extension Service class or an equivalent class approved by the planning official.
- A planning official determination is required for a permit.
