Keeping Chickens or Rabbits In Carrboro

There are risks you must be aware of prior to deciding if keeping poultry or rabbits is right for you:


Predators

Backyard poultry and rabbits commonly attract predators and other wildlife. Precautions should be taken in order to minimize the dangers of predator intrusions. Ways to minimize the threat include:

  1. From dusk until dawn, animals must be enclosed in a secure coop or hutch.
  2. During daylight hours, animals shall have access to a run that is adequately fenced and protected from predators.
  3. Keep in mind that predators can dig underneath facilities and runs. It is a good idea to construct enclosures so that wire mesh or other durable materials go underground as well.
  4. Predators can also come from above, therefore a roof enclosure made of wire or other durable materials is recommended for both the coop/hutch and runs.
  5. Store animal feed in a resealable, airtight, rodent-proof container.

Fire Hazard

Coop fires can and do happen and can cause significant damage to your property if proper precautions are not taken.

  1. Heaters should generally not be used in animal facilities as they pose a fire danger. If a heater is desired, it is recommended that it be installed by a professional electrician.
  2. It is recommended that the facilities are not connected to the primary residence in case of fire.

Background

In 2017 the Town of Carrboro Town Code was amended to allow up to twenty (20) backyard fowl or rabbits to be kept on the grounds of single-family residential properties within the Town’s city limits. Outside of the city limits, the Orange County ordinances are applicable.

Specifically, Chapter 10 of the Town Code was amended by the Board of Aldermen on February 28, 2017 in order to provide a framework for regulations for such animals.

Restrictions

  • Prior to keeping such animals on any property, a permit must be obtained from Orange County Animal Services.
    • The applicant for such a permit is required to submit a drawing demonstrating the

minimum separation requirements between the animal facilities and adjacent property lines and residences.

  • Facilities shall provide adequate protection from adverse weather, predators and rodents.
  • Facilities shall be maintained in a clean and sanitary condition at all times.
    • The applicant shall construct and install a sufficient barrier to prevent the fowl or rabbits from roaming beyond the confines of the property.
      • Fowl or rabbit food shall be kept in a rodent-proof food container.
      • No fewer than three (3) fowl or rabbits is allowed.
      • All issued permits are subject to annual review and inspection.
      • Permits are not transferrable.
      • Excessively loud fowl are a violation of the Town Code.

Additional restrictions and regulations can be found in Chapter 10, Section 10-3 of Carrboro’s Town Code.

Steps to Obtain Permit

  1. Submit a backyard poultry/rabbit permit application from Orange County Animal Services. The application can be found here.
  2. Submit the following with the application
    • If any, see Town Fee schedule.
    • Proof of ownership of property or appropriate permissions.
    • A drawing showing the location of the proposed animal facilities in relation to existing structures and property lines.
  3. Construct the animal facilities demonstrating compliance with the Town Code.
  4. Request an inspection of the facilities by contacting an Animal Control Officer at: 919-942- PETS (7387) Ext. 1.
  5. Once the facilities are found to comply with Chapter 10 of the Town of Carrboro Town Code, a non-transferable permit will be issued to the applicant.

Helpful Links

For Information Contact: 

  •  Orange County Animal Services. Phone: 919-942-PETS (7387) Ext. 1. Email: acteam@orangecountync.gov
  • Town of Carrboro Planning Division, Phone: 919-918-7324