Highlights of the Backyard Chicken Ordinance (Borough Code)

In April 2021, Churchill Borough Council adopted an ordinance to regulate the keeping of backyard chickens. Before making a decision to own chickens, be sure to consult with the Borough Office for a permit and read the ordinance in detail.

Highlights of the new ordinance are:

• No more than four chickens can be kept in the rear yards of single-family residential dwellings in R-1, R-2, R-3 and R-4 residential zoning districts.
• Renters or non-owner occupants must first obtain permission from the property owner/landlord.
• Chicken coops and runs must be located at least 25 feet from any property lines.
• An annual backyard chicken permit will be required and any permit fees paid by the anniversary date of the first permit issued.
• No one shall slaughter or butcher any chicken or sell any chicken products, including eggs.
• Chickens must be kept in humane and sanitary conditions.