As used in this article, the following terms shall have the
meanings indicated:
CHICKEN
Poultry or fowl of the species Gallus gallus domesticus,
a domesticated fowl. This definition shall not be construed to include
any species of turkey, duck, guinea fowl, goose, or other fowl.
CHICKEN COOP
A structure providing for shelter of female chickens which
is completely enclosed and intended for the shelter and protection
of chickens.
SINGLE-FAMILY DWELLING
Any building that contains only one dwelling unit used or
intended to be occupied for living purposes by one family consistent
with the Township of North Versailles Zoning Ordinance.
A permit is required. No person shall raise, harbor or keep
chickens within the Township of North Versailles without a valid permit
obtained from the Zoning Officer under the provisions of this article.
In order to obtain a permit, an applicant must submit a completed
application on forms provided by the Township Zoning Officer and pay
the required application fee which will be established from time to
time by the Commissioners of the Township of North Versailles by simple
resolution.
If the Zoning Officer concludes as a result of the information
contained in the application that the requirements for a permit have
been met, then the Zoning Office shall issue the permit within 30
days of receipt of a complete application and payment of all fees
due. The permit shall be valid for one year from the date of issue
and must be renewed annually.
Odors from chickens, chicken manure or other chicken-related
substances shall not be perceptible beyond the boundaries of the permitted
parcel of land. Noise from chickens shall not be loud enough beyond
the boundaries of the permitted tract of land at the property boundaries
to disturb persons of reasonable sensitivity.
All stored manure shall be covered by a fully enclosed structure
with a roof or lid over the entire structure, or garbage cans with
tight-fitting lids. No more than three cubic feet of manure shall
be stored on the permitted parcel of land. All other manure not used
for composting and fertilizing shall be removed from the site or incorporated
into a garden area. The chicken coop, chicken pen and surrounding
area must be kept free from trash and accumulated droppings. Uneaten
feed shall be removed in a timely manner.
No owner shall allow chickens to roam off the permitted parcel
of land.
Any violation of the terms of this article that constitutes
a health hazard or that interferes with the use or enjoyment of neighboring
properties is a nuisance and may be abated under the general nuisance
abatement provisions of the Pennsylvania First Class Township Code and all applicable Township nuisance or zoning ordinances,
with fines and penalties consistent therewith.
Any person who shall violate any provision of this article shall,
upon conviction thereof, be sentenced to pay a fine of not more than
$1,000 and/or to imprisonment for a term not to exceed 30 days. Every
day that a violation of this article continues shall constitute a
separate offense.