Subject:
Title
Request for Recommendation: Amendments to Chapter 62, Article VI, Zoning Regulations, to allow up to six chickens within certain single-family detached residential zoning classifications; Creating Chapter 62, Article VI, Permitted with conditions Section 62-1835.3.5, entitled “farm animals and fowl”.
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Fiscal Impact:
None
Dept/Office:
Planning & Development
Requested Action:
Recommendation
It is requested that the Planning and Zoning Board review the attached proposed ordinance and issue recommendations.
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Summary Explanation and Background:
This is a Board-initiated request to amend Chapter 62 of the Brevard County Code of Ordinances to allow the keeping of chickens as a permitted use with conditions within certain single-family detached residential zoning classifications in the unincorporated area of Commission District 1.
The proposed ordinance creates a new Section 62-1835.3.5, “Farm Animals and Fowl,” establishing an administrative approval process to allow up to six (6) chickens per residential dwelling, subject to standards related to setbacks, enclosure requirements, sanitation, and operational limitations. The amendment also revises Section 62-1927 to clarify that the new provisions operate independently of the existing conditional use permit process, which will remain available where applicable. This is incorporated into the zoning code by allowing this as a “permitted use with conditions” within applicable single-family detached zoning classifications.
This request responds to Board direction issued on July 22, 2025, to evaluate modifications to the County’s zoning regulations governing backyard chickens. Under the current code, one (1) chicken is permitted on properties less than one-half (½) acre and up to four (4) chickens may be permitted per one-half (½) acre of land within single-family residential zoning districts without a conditional use permit for personal, non-commercial use of the occupants.
The proposed amendment provides an avenue other than the current one-half (½) acre-based framework within the defined area, establishes a flat allowance of up to six (6) chickens per residential dwelling, and introduces additional standards and an educational requirement to promote responsible ownership and minimize potential impacts to surrounding properties.
The amendment is limited to the unincorporated boundaries of Commission District 1 as they existed on January 1, 2026, and is intended to expand opportunities for small-scale, non-commercial food production while maintaining compatibility with residential development through enforceable performance standards.
Clerk to the Board Instructions:
None