Getting Local Approval for Chickens

Yesterday I received local approval to have chickens in my backyard. Because, I live in a HOA, I went before the review committee and offered up my appeal to own 12 chickens. Typically, our HOA only allows 4 birds, but because of how I positioned my argument, I was allowed unlimited chickens for my 1/3 acre property.

A few thing the keep in mind when getting Approval:

1. Don't be rude, cocky, or a "no it all".
1. I found that being workable creates the best results.
2. Come with a plan.
1. I quickly drew out a plan on some scratch paper explaining the coop design and the number of chickens.
2. This also gives you a base for negotiation.
3. Show them that you are being reasonable and that you are grateful for them.
1. These people get hammered by angry people all day.
2. They will be as hard to work with as you are.

Good phrases to use when negotiating for chickens:

• Thank you so much for visiting with me.
• I really appreciate the work you are doing.
• I was hoping to have 12 chickens because... I expect 2 to die as chicks, 1 to be a rooster, I have 1/3 acre... so I really need approval for 9 chickens, but if all the chickens live and aren't roosters I don't want to slaughter good egg producing birds. That's why I need approval for 12.
• I spoke with all my neighbors and they are fine with me having chickens.
• I want my coop to match the look of my house so It wont be an eye soar.

As it turned out they gave me approval for unlimited chickens. Usually people in my HOA only get approval for 4 birds. Go ME!