At the September 21st meeting, City Council adopted an Ordinance updating multiple revisions to the Land Development Code. An exciting amendment allows for backyard chickens within the City of Mount Dora!
Section 3.5.30 Backyard Chickens: Chickens, other than Roosters, shall be allowed for personal use as an accessory use associated with existing single-family or duplex residential dwellings within the GB, R-1AAAA, R-1AAA, R-1AA, R-1A, R-1, R-1B, R-2, and R-3 Zoning Districts subject to the following requirements:
1. Any person keeping, harboring, raising or maintaining chickens as an accessory to an occupied dwelling unit shall be subject to the following restrictions:
a. Chickens are prohibited on vacant lots. The lot or parcel must be developed with a residential dwelling;
b. No more than five (5) chickens may be kept;
c. Roosters are prohibited;
d. Slaughtering of chickens is prohibited;
e. Chickens must be secured within the chicken coop or fenced enclosure at all times;
f. All feed and other items associated with the keeping of chickens that are likely to attract or to become infested with rodents or other pests shall be kept in a rodent and pest-proof container;
g. No manure shall be allowed to accumulate on the floor of the coop or ground. A fly-tight bin for storage of manure shall be utilized; the size shall be sufficient to contain all accumulations of manure. The fly-tight bin shall be kept at least twenty (20) feet away from all property lines; and
h. Composting of chicken manure shall be allowed in an enclosed bin. The composting bin shall be kept at least twenty (20) feet away from all property lines.
2. Chicken coop or fenced enclosure used to house chickens. Any chicken coop or fenced enclosure used to house chickens shall:
a. Not be located in the front or side yards; and
b. Be set back a minimum of twenty (20) feet from all property lines.
Please call the Planning Department with any questions: (352) 735-7112.