Section 1 — Zoning & Jurisdiction

Establish which rules apply to your property

• Looked up my parcel on county GIS map and confirmed my zoning district designation (e.g., R-1, R-6, RR-2)
• Confirmed whether my property is within city limits (municipal rules apply) or in unincorporated county territory (county rules apply)
• If in a city: identified the correct Planning & Zoning department phone number and website
• If in unincorporated county: identified county Planning Department contact information
• Located my municipality's current code online (Municode.com or city website)

Section 2 — Animal Permissions

Verify what animals are permitted in your zone

• Searched the municipal code for: "chickens," "poultry," "domestic fowl," "livestock," "goats," "bees," "apiary" (as applicable)
• Confirmed whether my target animal is listed as Permitted (P), Conditional (C), or Not Permitted in my zoning district's use table
• If "Conditional": identified what type of permit is required and confirmed I can meet the conditions
• If goats: confirmed whether my city distinguishes miniature breeds and verified my intended breed qualifies
• Confirmed the maximum number of animals permitted at my zoning level
• For chickens/ducks: confirmed whether males (roosters/drakes) are permitted or prohibited

Section 3 — Setback Requirements

Measure before you build

• Identified the required setback from rear property line: _______ ft
• Identified the required setback from side property lines: _______ ft
• Identified the required setback from adjacent dwellings (neighbors' houses): _______ ft
• Identified any setback from my own dwelling: _______ ft
• Measured my yard and confirmed a compliant placement location exists
• Confirmed whether setback applies to the coop only, or also to an attached run/pen
• For bees: confirmed flyway fence requirement and planned installation if within 25 ft of property line

Section 4 — Permits & Registration

Know what approvals are required before you acquire animals

• Confirmed whether a local livestock permit, use permit, or conditional use permit is required
• If permit required: obtained application form and confirmed required materials (site plan, fees)
• Confirmed permit fee amount: $_______ and processing time estimate: _______ weeks
• Confirmed whether annual renewal is required (and fee)
• For bees: confirmed state Department of Agriculture registration requirement and registered (or confirmed timeline to register)
• Confirmed whether a building permit is required for my coop structure

Section 5 — HOA Rules

HOA rules apply independently of city/county rules

• Confirmed whether my property is subject to HOA governance (check deed/title documents)
• If HOA: obtained current CC&Rs and reviewed "Animals," "Livestock," "Pets," and "Nuisances" sections
• If HOA: reviewed "Rules and Regulations" document (separate from CC&Rs) for livestock provisions
• If HOA permits livestock: confirmed any architectural approval required for coop structure
• If HOA is silent: requested written ruling from HOA board before proceeding

Section 6 — Neighbor Notification

Proactive communication prevents most enforcement problems

• Confirmed whether my city requires formal written neighbor notification as part of the permit process
• Identified all adjacent property owners within required notification radius
• Even if not required: planned proactive conversation with adjacent neighbors before acquiring animals
• Prepared to share my contact information with neighbors in case they have concerns

Section 7 — Practical Preparation

Compliance maintenance prevents complaints

• Planned weekly coop cleaning schedule (the most common complaint trigger is odor from infrequent cleaning)
• Purchased sealed, rodent-proof feed storage containers
• For bees: planned on-site water source to prevent bees seeking water at neighboring properties
• Verified predator-proof enclosure design appropriate for local predator pressure
• For chickens: confirmed purchased stock is sexed hens only (if roosters prohibited) and have a plan if a rooster is identified
• Verified local veterinarian or agricultural extension office for animal health questions