PETITION FOR A CASSELBERRY BACKYARD HEN ORDINANCE

To the Mayor, City Commission, and Staff of the City of Casselberry:

We, the undersigned residents of Casselberry, respectfully request that the City Commission direct staff to draft and consider a Backyard Hen Ordinance modeled after the successful programs currently utilized by similar municipalities throughout Central Florida.

Multiple municipalities right here in Central Florida and many more across the United Stated have successfully demonstrated that a regulated backyard hen program can provide residents with educational opportunities, local food production, and sustainable living options while maintaining neighborhood compatibility and property values.

The proposed ordinance should consider:

Allowing up to four (4) hens on occupied detached single-family residential properties.
Prohibiting roosters, ducks, geese, turkeys, peafowl, and other poultry or fowl not specifically authorized by the ordinance.
Requiring a permit issued by the City to ensure compliance with all applicable standards.
Requiring a secure coop and enclosed run designed to prevent escape, rodents, predators, and nuisance conditions.
Requiring coops and runs to be located in rear yards and meet reasonable setback requirements from neighboring residences.
Requiring fencing or screening sufficient to minimize visual impacts to adjacent properties.
Requiring proper sanitation and maintenance to prevent odors, insects, vermin, and other nuisances.
Authorizing code enforcement action for violations involving noise, sanitation, animal welfare, or nuisance conditions.
Preserving the authority of homeowners' associations to impose more restrictive standards where applicable.
Establishing a limited permit program that can be reviewed by the City after a trial period to evaluate impacts and community feedback.

We respectfully request that the City Commission place this matter on a future agenda and initiate the public process necessary to consider adoption of a Backyard Hen Ordinance for the City of Casselberry. 

Note of importance: Seminole County allows backyard chickens by right in single-family residential zoning districts. The former permitting and application program was eliminated in 2024, meaning you no longer need county-issued permits. However, residents must still follow specific regulations, and local municipalities or HOAs may enforce separate guidelines.