Building Permanent Culture in Knoxville
Knoxville Urban Hen Coalition
Information
This group is committed to building a community of responsible urban hen keepers in Knoxville.
Location: Knoxville
Members: 107
Latest Activity: Apr 10
How to Get Hens
Here are the steps provided by some of the first people to go through the process.
Check out their website-- Hens at Our House -- For more great info!
1. Download an APPLICATION and the ORDINANCE
a. Hen Application.pdf
b. Hen Ordinance.pdf
b. Fully read the terms of the application, as well as the ordinance.
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| We got our Building Permit! |
2. AQUIRE A BUILDING PERMIT:
a. Create an over-head site map of your property, with the dimensions of your yard. Include the size and location of where you want to put your coop on the map.
b. Bring your site map and application and checkbook to the City County Bldg. Plans, and Inspections dept. on the 5th floor. Here you will show your site map, pay a $50 fee for a Building Permit and acquire a needed signature on your application packet. I advise calling the office first, to make sure someone is in who can sign your application and take your check. The city hotline, 311 can connect you. Keep your building permit form with your application. You will need your building permit number in step number five.
3. START BUILDING YOUR COOP!
4. GET APPROVED
Take your application (now with signature from Inspections dept) back to the Animal Control Office, located on 5th Ave. Pay your $25 application fee, and leave a copy of your application with AC. The Board will need to vote on your application. This voting takes place once per month. You may attend the AC Board meeting while your application is voted on, but it isn't necessary. Voting takes place at the Young-Williams Animal Center. By the way, your coop does not need to be finished for you to take care of this step.
5. FINISH COOP/HAVE IT INSPECTED
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| The ACB voted to approve our application. |
When your application is approved by the Animal Control Board, the last step is having your coop inspected. This is done through Interactive Voice Response System, by calling 215-4830. An automated computer system will talk you through how to schedule the inspection. You will need to input your Building Permit number at this time. It is at the top left of your permit. When you select from a menu of what type of inspection you need, "chicken coop" is not currently a choice on the menu. I selected "Other" and left a voicemail explaining what kind of inspection I needed. Apparently, this automated system is all that is required to make your appointment. However, I went ahead and called the inspection office to confirm my appointment anyway. (I like talking to a live person.)
6. GET INSPECTOR SIGNATURE
The inspector must check/sign your application when your coop has been seen.
7. FINISHED!
Take your completed application back to the Animal Control office to show that your inspection is complete. You will be assigned a Permit number, and now you're official! Keep all papers together in your records.
GO GET SOME CHICKENS!
*Thanks Natalie Townsend at Hens at Our House for writing this up!
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The first permits have been approved:
Look here for people's experience in the permit process.
Look here to read a blog of a Knoxville Urban Hen Trailblazer!
***History of Ordinance***
The backyard hen ordinance passed on Tuesday night, August 24th 2010, with a city council vote of 5-3! THANKS to all of you that called or wrote your representatives, talked to your neighbors, and attended the many meetings. The ordinance is a true testament to citizen-power!
City council has also approved (November, 30th 2010) the code changes that MPC recommended, which makes keeping hens officially legal!
A growing number of cities are allowing people to keep a small number of backyard hens. There are many reasons why people are keeping hens - A healthy source of eggs, education for the kids, food security for the family, pet companionship, and a good tool to turn compost into fertilizer for the garden.
Cities are also finding that backyard hens are building community ties - folks are looking over fence rows and asking what the neighbors are doing, eggs are shared and conversations are started.
We want to provide opportunities for city residents to feed their families safe healthy food from their own resources and yards. Backyard hens are one key link in creating sustainable urban systems.
Download MYTHS and FACTS
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
and more FAQ
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How to Find and Raise Backyard Hens
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Hen at Our House (local)
How to Find and Raise Backyard Hens?
East Tennessee Chicken Lovers (Facebook page)
Or talk to our local hen-care guru, Farmer John! - 687-0441.
Discussion Forum
Knox County Permit Renewal 2 Replies
Started by John & Kim Grubbs. Last reply by John & Kim Grubbs Jan 8.
Chickens in Maryville
Started by Minde Herbert Sep 16, 2012.
Building Permit Hoop Vs. Pre-Built Coop 1 Reply
Started by Anna Millman. Last reply by Chad Hellwinckel Sep 12, 2011.
A Vet Who Will Treat Chickens! - Dr. Cindy @ Countryside Veterinary Services
Started by Anna Millman Sep 12, 2011.
Hens in Knox County
Started by bob boyle Jul 19, 2011.
Done Deal 4 Replies
Started by Stephen Smith. Last reply by Stephen Smith May 29, 2011.
Going through the Hoops for Coops 11 Replies
Started by Stephen Smith. Last reply by Martha Rose Woodward Jun 19, 2011.
CAC Beardsley Farm Hen Workshop in May needs your help 2 Replies
Started by Elizabeth Moniz. Last reply by Michelle Reynolds Mar 20, 2011.
June 15th- THE DAY OF CHICKEN RECKONING 3 Replies
Started by Brandy. Last reply by Tracie L. Hellwinckel May 21, 2010.
New Info Re: Chris Woodhull and the Ordinance (action alert) 3 Replies
Started by Brandy. Last reply by Brandy May 13, 2010.
Comment Wall
Comment
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Comment by Brian & Betsy Liebenow on April 10, 2013 at 1:40pm -
So, we live in west Knoxville, our coop is done, inspected and approved. We got our approval from Animal Control. Now, where is the best place to get chickens locally? We'd rather not raise them from baby chicks so we'd prefer pullets. Any suggestions? Thanks, -The Liebenow's
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Comment by Chad Hellwinckel on April 8, 2013 at 9:11am -
This is a good review of your chicken keeping options: http://www.richsoil.com/raising-chickens.jsp
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Comment by Ben Epperson on March 20, 2013 at 8:13am -
Hey Everyone,
I have a friend in Mascot that is looking to turn his chickens into... food.
He's willing to trade some meat or something else.
Anyone interested/know of a contact?
Contact me at bene.job@gmail.com
thanks
ben
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Comment by Minde Herbert on September 16, 2012 at 4:23pm -
Hi all,
Just putting out the feelers to see if there is a City of Maryville resident organization that is similar to the Knoxville Urban Hen Coalition... I want to get the process of legalizing chickens started in City of Maryville but don't want to reinvent the wheel if something already exists. Any help/leads are appreciated.
-Minde Herbert
678.907.9073
Affordably Organic - save, eat, thrive
Facebook: www.facebook.com/affordablyorganic
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Comment by Jake Livesay on May 29, 2012 at 7:35am -
Thanks Valerie ... I got 6 khaki campbell ducklings from a guy in Loudon County a couple days ago. Things are going well.
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Comment by Valerie Ohle on May 28, 2012 at 11:39pm -
Jake, you can usually pick up ducklings at Co-op or Tractor Supply in the spring, I saw Khaki Campbells listed on Craigs List, and you can order from Murray McMurray just about any time.
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Comment by Valerie Ohle on May 26, 2012 at 10:08pm
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Hi, all! I live in the county and am zoned agricultural so don't have to battle for our chickens. We do, however, totally support and commend you in your struggles to get the ordinance passed. I joined the group because my husband and I designed a line of "city coops" and I wanted to learn more about what your needs are to make sure our coops can meet them. We also custom build chicken tractors and planter boxes for patio or tight space square foot gardening. Our website is listed on my page if you'd like to contact us and I would LOVE to hear your ideas for things that would make raising your chickens easier and as much fun as possible!
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Comment by Jake Livesay on May 26, 2012 at 4:48pm
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Does anyone have a source for ducklings? I believe we're allowed to keep up to two ... even in a subdivision. Something about them not being considered a "farm" animal.
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Comment by Matthew Langholtz on September 20, 2011 at 11:31am -
Chicken ark and blue orpingtons
Hi All,
I'm new to this, but I bought locally a chicken ark (attached) and blue orpingtons. Both sellers asked me to share their info, so contact me if you are interested in either.
Thanks,
Matt
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Comment by Jennifer A. Hoffman on June 6, 2011 at 7:09am -
Lets not forget that some people are choosing between cable TV and gas money these days. A brand-spankin new coop could be beyond the reach of some who are interested. Hopefully things will turn around soon!
© 2013 Created by Chad Hellwinckel.
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