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ORDINANCE NOa 2013-~3 ADOPTION OF AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND TABLE 40.1-4.4(A) AND SECTIONS 40.1-4.4(C) AND 40.1-8.3 OF CHAPTER 40.1 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF PORTSMOUTH, VIRGINIA (2006) TO ALLOW THE KEEPING OF CHICKENS AS AN ACCESSORY USE TO A DETACHED SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENCE. BE IT ORDAINED by the Council of the City of Portsmouth, Virginia: 1. That Table 40.1-4.4(A) of Chapter 40.1 of the Code of the City of Portsmouth, Virginia be amended to show "Backyard Chickens" as a Permitted Use (P) in the NR, GR, UR, and URH Residential districts, the NMU Business district, and the HR, HLQ, and HLB Special districts, subject to the additional requirements of Section 40.1-4.4(C)(18). 2. That Section 40.1-4.4(C) of the Code of the City of Portsmouth, Virginia (2006) be amended by the adoption of a new subsection (18) to read as follows: Sec. 40.1-4.4. Accessory Use Standards. (C) Specific Standards for Certain Accessory Uses (18) Backyard Chickens ( a) Intent With the increased awareness of self-sufficiency, sustainability and urban farming, the raising of a limited number of chickens is allowed as an accessory use to detached single family residential properties provided that the use meets certain minimum standards and does not pose a health hazard or become a nuisance to adjoining property owners. (b) Standards The keeping of backyard chickens is allowed in accordance with the following standards: (i) The use is an accessory use to a detached single family residence. (ii) The minimum lot size shall be 5,000 square feet. No more than one chicken for every 2,000 square feet of lot area is permitted. (iii) No more than six (6) chickens are permitted on any lot. (iv) All housing and fencing of chickens shall be located solely in the rear yard. (v) Housing and fencing of chickens must be located at least 15 feet from any side or rear property line. Chickens may not roam in other areas of the property or off the property.