Quick answer: You can keep backyard hens in Pleasant Hill, but you need a permit first. The Village allows up to 5 hens and no roosters. The chickens have to live in an approved coop, and your property has to meet lot size and zoning rules.
What you need to know
- How many: Up to 5 chickens. Hens only, no roosters.
- Permit required: Apply through the Village Office or pleasanthillohio.com. Renewals cost $25 and the permit expires December 31 of the year it was issued. Renew by January 15.
- How to apply: Get the application, complete it, and submit it with payment (cash, check, or credit card) to the Village Office at 200 Walnut Street. Approved permits come back by mail or email.
- If denied: Chickens must be removed within 15 days. The Village can also pull a permit at any time if you don’t follow the rules.
- Property/zoning: Lot must be at least 6,000 square feet and zoned Family Residential (R-1), General Business (B-1), or Industrial (B-2).
- Coop required: Chickens must stay in the coop at all times. No free-ranging. A site plan for the structure must be approved by the Village Planning Commission.
- Coop location: At least 25 feet from any home or occupied building (other than your own) and 10 feet from the property line.
- Feed and cleaning: Keep all feed in a predator- and rodent-proof container. Clean the coop regularly (a thorough cleaning at least monthly) and dispose of waste so it doesn’t create odor or attract flies or vermin.
If you don’t comply
- The Zoning Enforcement Officer can inspect where the chickens are kept at any time.
- Breaking any part of this ordinance is a misdemeanor, and your permit is revoked for one year.
- If a permit is denied, you have 15 days to remove the chickens.
Have questions about this ordinance? Contact the Village for more information.