Chickens In Brunswick: What's The Law?

As of 2019, Brunswick, Ohio, does not have any formal legislation specifying the ownership of chickens, although it does have an ordinance regarding the ownership of domestic farm animals. The issue of chicken ownership has been discussed at Planning and Zoning Committee meetings, with concerns raised about noise, pollution, predators, required distance from neighbours, and the size and maintenance of chicken coops. It is unclear whether any formal legislation has been enacted since these discussions. However, according to a 2024 article, Brunswick, Medina County, is among the cities in Ohio that allow backyard chickens.

Brunswick, Medina County allows backyard chickens

If you're a resident of Brunswick in Medina County, Ohio, you'll be pleased to know that you are permitted to keep backyard chickens. However, it's important to be aware of the local regulations and guidelines regarding chicken ownership.

While Brunswick does have an ordinance regarding the ownership of "domestic farm animals," there is no formal legislation specifically for chickens. This means that there may be no restrictions on the number of chickens you can keep, but it's always a good idea to check with your local authorities to be sure.

To ensure the well-being of your chickens and maintain good relationships with your neighbors, there are some general guidelines you should follow. These include providing your chickens with adequate space, such as a fenced area or a chicken coop, and maintaining sanitary conditions to prevent offensive odors. Keeping your chickens in a clean and spacious environment is essential for their health and will also help to reduce the risk of pest problems.

In addition, noise pollution is a concern for any chicken owner. Roosters, in particular, can be noisy, so it's worth considering whether your neighborhood is suitable for keeping them. By being mindful of noise levels and taking steps to minimize disturbances, you can be a responsible chicken owner and a good neighbor.

Lastly, it's important to be aware of any local predators that may pose a threat to your chickens. Taking precautions to protect your chickens, such as secure fencing or coop design, can help ensure their safety. Remember to stay informed about any updates to local ordinances regarding chicken ownership, as these regulations can change over time.

Brunswick's chicken-ownership ordinance

Brunswick, Medina County, Ohio, permits the keeping of backyard chickens. However, there is no formal legislation specifying the ownership of chickens in the city. While Brunswick has an ordinance regarding the ownership of "domestic farm animals", it does not specifically address chickens. This has led to discussions among city officials about enacting formal legislation to regulate chicken ownership.

In the absence of specific regulations, issues such as noise, pollution, predators, distance from neighbours, and the size and maintenance of chicken coops remain unaddressed. The lack of a clear ordinance also makes enforcement challenging for animal control officers.

It is important to note that Brunswick's ordinance regarding "domestic farm animals" may include chickens in its scope. However, the specific regulations and restrictions applicable to chicken ownership in Brunswick are not clearly defined at this time.

To ensure compliance with local laws and ordinances, residents of Brunswick interested in keeping backyard chickens should stay informed about any updates to the city's legislation and reach out to the relevant authorities for clarification.

Brunswick's farm animal ordinance

Brunswick, Medina County, Ohio, permits the keeping of backyard chickens. However, there is no formal legislation specifying the ownership of chickens in the city.

The city of Brunswick, Ohio, has an ordinance regarding the ownership of "domestic farm animals," but no formal legislation exists that specifically addresses the keeping of chickens. This has led to discussions among city officials about enacting regulations for chicken ownership.

The lack of formal legislation makes enforcement challenging for animal control officers, who can only offer advice in the absence of clear rules.

Chicken Ownership Regulations in Nearby Areas

Nearby cities and counties in Ohio have varying levels of regulation regarding chicken ownership. For example:

• Cuyahoga County's Cleveland prohibits roosters and requires chicken coops to be at least 100 feet from property lines.
• Cuyahoga County's Cleveland Heights allows a maximum of four chickens (excluding roosters) per property, with coops located at least 10 feet from residences.
• Franklin County's Hilliard permits up to six backyard chickens (excluding roosters) on properties of at least half an acre.
• Hamilton County's Cincinnati allows up to six hens, provided they are kept in clean conditions and not allowed to roam freely.
• Summit County's Akron also bans roosters and stipulates that coops must be at least 100 feet from neighbouring residences.

Recommendations for Chicken Ownership in Brunswick

During a City Council Planning and Zoning Committee meeting, Councilman-at-Large and committee chair Joe Delsanter emphasised the need for formal legislation addressing chicken ownership in Brunswick. He suggested that issues such as noise, pollution, predators, distance from neighbours, and the size and maintenance of chicken coops could be addressed in a future ordinance.

Angela Palumbo, a North Carpenter Road resident who raises chickens and provides educational presentations on the topic, shared her perspective on chicken ownership regulations. She supported requiring a certain distance between chicken coops and dwellings, suggesting that 20 feet is reasonable, while 50 or 100 feet is excessive. Palumbo also emphasised that fencing is sufficient to keep chickens contained and noted that she has her chickens processed off-site.

Chicken coops in Brunswick

Brunswick, Medina County, Ohio, permits the keeping of backyard chickens. However, there is no formal legislation specifying the ownership of chickens in the city. The city has an ordinance regarding the ownership of "domestic farm animals", but it does not specifically mention chickens.

The Brunswick A-Frame Chicken Coop is a spacious chicken coop that comes with two nesting boxes and is perfect for up to four chickens. It has a two-story design with a ramp, a secure sleeping area, and roosting poles. The coop is made from 100% cedar wood, which is naturally pest and rot-resistant, and has a tough, durable, UV-resistant asphalt roof.

In Medina County, Ohio, the city of Medina also allows the keeping of backyard chickens.

Raising chickens in Brunswick

If you're a resident of Brunswick, Ohio, and are interested in raising chickens, there are a few things you should know. While the city does not have any formal legislation specifically regulating chicken ownership, there are some relevant ordinances and considerations to keep in mind.

Brunswick's Chicken Ordinance

Brunswick has an ordinance related to the ownership of "domestic farm animals," but it does not specifically mention chickens. This lack of formal legislation has been a topic of discussion in the city's planning committee meetings, where community members and officials have debated the need for more specific regulations.

Regulations in Nearby Areas

During these meetings, Community and Economic Development Director Grant Aungst presented committee members with fowl-regulation ordinances from 19 Northeast Ohio communities. The level of regulation varied, with more restrictive ordinances in Cleveland, Kent, and Norwood, and relatively loose ones in Bedford and Mayfield, where only roosters are prohibited, and chicken coops must be a certain distance from property lines and dwellings.

Considerations for Chicken Owners in Brunswick

When considering raising chickens in Brunswick, it's important to be mindful of potential issues such as noise, pollution, predators, required distance from neighbors, and the size and maintenance of chicken coops. While there may not be specific ordinances in place, being a considerate neighbor and providing adequate care for your chickens are important.

Other Regulations in Ohio

In Cuyahoga County, which includes nearby cities such as Cleveland, the number of chickens allowed varies by city. For example, Cleveland allows up to 6 backyard chickens and prohibits roosters, while Cleveland Heights allows a maximum of 4 chickens (excluding roosters) and requires a Conditional Use Permit.

Best Practices

Before purchasing chickens, it is always a good idea to check with your local zoning office or refer to your county's website to understand the specific regulations that apply to your area. Additionally, joining local forums or community groups can be a great way to stay informed about any changes in chicken-keeping laws and to connect with other chicken owners in your area.

Frequently asked questions