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First Public Hearing to Consider Amending Ordinance Relating to Conditional Use Permits Allowable With Administrative Official Approval and Backyard Chickens
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BRIEF OVERVIEW
On December 2, 2025, the Development Services Director presented draft revisions to multiple sections of Appendix A (Zoning) of the Hernando County Land Regulations to the Board. Article V (Administration), Section 4 (Conditional Use Permits), Subsection C(3) (Backyard Chickens) generated significant discussion and was determined to be the initial section of the code to bring back to the Board.
The proposed ordinance includes the following provisions:
• Incorporates ducks as an allowable bird in any residential district, excluding multifamily districts.
• Clarifies that the limitations on the number of birds include any combination of ducks or chickens on the property.
• Limits the number of birds by parcel size as follows:
o Parcels smaller than 6,000 square feet - 4 birds
o Parcels between 6001-10,000 square feet - 8 birds
o Parcels over 10,000 square feet - 12 birds
• Clarifies that homes within a Planned Development Project (PDP) zoned district will be required to meet the same criteria but do not pre-empt homeowners’ associations from more restrictive guidelines.
• No permit required for chicken coops under 120 square feet.
• Eliminates the permit expiration date.
If approved, the Ordinance will be scheduled for adoption at the public hearing on March 3, 2026.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
There is no financial impact associated with this request.
LEGAL NOTE
The Board has the authority to act on this matter pursuant to Chapter 125, Florida Statutes.
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RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the Board of County Commissioners discuss the proposed ordinance, take public comment, consider the Ordinance as presented and approve scheduling the adoption hearing for March 3, 2026.