1. Introduction: Joining the Community Flock

Residents find that keeping a small flock of chickens is rewarding. It is a way to practice sustainable living. They can also embrace food sovereignty right at home. However, raising livestock in a residential setting requires a shared commitment to cleanliness, safety, and neighborly respect. The Hannahville Indian Community has created specific guidelines. These rules ensure poultry-keeping is a positive experience for everyone in our subdivisions and trailer parks. They aim to balance personal hobbies with community harmony.

General Civil Code—Chicken Ordinance of the Hannahville Indian Community Title 4, Chapter 10 | Adopted June 7, 2021, via Resolution #06072021-A

This ordinance serves as your roadmap for success, ensuring your backyard flock flourishes without causing friction with your neighbors. Before you begin picking out breeds or building a coop, there are three foundational rules every household must know.

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2. The Big Three: Essential Rules for Every Household

The ordinance establishes clear boundaries to maintain a peaceful and manageable environment. It specifies the type and number of birds allowed. Additionally, it outlines the administrative steps required before you start.

Rule Name	Limit/Requirement	Why It Matters
The Bird Limit	Maximum of six (6) chickens per household.	Prevents overcrowding and ensures owners can maintain a clean, manageable environment.
The “No Rooster” Rule	No adult male chickens are permitted.	Roosters create noise disturbances that are unsuitable for residential subdivisions.
The Mandatory Permit	A permit must be obtained before acquiring birds.	This allows the Housing Department to partner with you to ensure your setup meets all health and safety codes.

Getting your permit is the first step in our partnership. It ensures your flock thrives while respecting the shared standards of our community.

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3. Securing Your Permit: The Application Process

Acquiring a permit involves more than just paperwork. It is your formal agreement to uphold the standards that keep our neighborhoods clean and safe. The process is managed through the Housing Department and follows these steps:

1. Application: You must submit a formal application to the Housing Department before any chickens are brought onto your property.
2. Vaccination Records: Be ready to provide documentation of vaccinations. Although not always required, it may be requested by the Housing Department. This is a contingent requirement based on current community health needs.
3. Ongoing Compliance: The Housing Board holds the authority to revoke a permit. This can occur at any time if a resident fails to follow the ordinance’s rules.
4. Accessible Documentation: Per the “Examination of Permit” rule, you must keep a physical or digital copy of your permit accessible. You are required to produce it for inspection upon demand by any Police Officer or Housing staff member.

With your permit secured, you can focus on building a home. It should provide your chickens with safety. It will also give your neighbors peace of mind.

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4. Designing the Home: Coop and Yard Requirements

The ordinance provides specific physical requirements for your chicken habitat. These rules are designed to protect your birds from predators. They ensure your hobby does not negatively impact those living around you.

• Backyard Only: Chickens must be kept exclusively in the backyard. They are never permitted in front or side yards.
• The Fencing Requirement: It is not enough to simply have a coop. The ordinance requires that chickens be confined in a coop. This coop must be situated within a fenced area in the backyard.
• The 50-Foot Rule: The coop or chicken house must be at least 50 feet away from any neighboring residence. This placement minimizes noise and odor for neighbors. This distance helps ensure comfort for everyone.
• Space Requirements: Inside the coop, you must provide a minimum of 1 square foot of space per bird. This equals 144 square inches. This ensures their well-being.
• The Run Dimensions: If you choose to provide an outside run, it must be attached to the coop. The run cannot exceed 8 feet by 8 feet in size.
• Predator and Pest Protection: The coop must be “rodent-proof” and “predator-proof.” It should be specifically built to prevent entry by dogs, cats, rodents, and local wildlife.

A well-designed home makes daily maintenance much easier, which is the key to being a successful chicken-keeping neighbor.

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5. Healthy Habits: Maintenance and Waste Management

A healthy flock requires a clean environment. The ordinance mandates proactive management to prevent “noxious smells” and the arrival of pests like flies, maggots, or rodents.

Category	Do’s	Don’ts
Feed Storage	Store all feed in rodent-proof containers. Keep all litter and feed dry.	Never leave feed exposed or damp, as this attracts pests and causes hygiene issues.
Waste Disposal	Bag waste for the trash or use a proper composting method.	Do not pile manure, litter, or old feed on the property. This must be removed immediately.
Sanitation	Promptly dispose of dead birds and waste eggs to prevent odors and disease.	Do not allow waste to accumulate to the point where smells transfer to adjacent properties.

Consistent care is essential. It maintains the privilege of keeping chickens for our entire community. This will help avoid formal enforcement steps.

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6. Compliance and Penalties: What You Need to Know

The Community takes these regulations seriously to protect the quality of life for all tribal members and employees. If a concern is raised, there is a formal process for correction.

• Complaints: Any tribal member or employee may file a complaint regarding violations with the Housing Department at any time.
• The 7-Day Cure Period: If a violation is found, the owner will receive a notice. You will have exactly seven (7) days from the receipt of that notice to “cure” (fix) the problem.

IMPORTANT NOTE ON FINES Failure to fix a violation within the 7-day window results in a $100 fine. Because we prioritize community standards, if the violation continues, the Housing Department will repeat the notice and 7-day cure process. Each failure to cure within these subsequent windows constitutes a separate offense and results in an additional $100 fine.

By following these guidelines and maintaining a clean, respectful setup, you can enjoy all the rewards of raising backyard chickens. If you are ready to get started, please reach out to the Housing Department to begin your application!

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