LAKE ARBOR FILING 6
Give Filing 6 homeowners the choice to keep backyard hens.
A narrow covenant amendment allowing up to six hens, no roosters, and reasonable enclosure and sanitation requirements.
SIGNATURE PROGRESS
Building support across Filing 6
At least 189 of Filing 6's 377 lots must approve the amendment. Our campaign goal is 220 signed lots to provide a strong margin.
THE AMENDMENT
A small change. Clear safeguards.
This amendment does not remove Lake Arbor's livestock restrictions. It creates one narrow exception for responsibly kept backyard hens within Filing 6.
What would be allowed
- Up to 6 female chickens
- Secure rear-yard coop or enclosure
- Responsible hen keeping
- Compliance with applicable laws and regulations
What would not be allowed
- No roosters
- No other livestock under this exception
- No unreasonable odor or noise
- No unsanitary or nuisance conditions
WHY UPDATE IT?
Why some neighbors support backyard hens
Fresh eggs
A small backyard flock can provide fresh eggs for local families.
Less food waste
Hens can consume many kitchen scraps that would otherwise be discarded.
Useful compost
Bedding and manure can be composted and used in gardens.
Homeowner choice
Nobody is required to own chickens. The amendment simply gives Filing 6 homeowners the option.
HOW IT WORKS
Filing 6 homeowners have the authority to amend their covenants.
Section 17 of the Filing 6 Declaration allows the covenants to be amended when an instrument approving the change is signed by a majority of the then-owners of the lots.
APPROVED AMENDMENT LANGUAGE
Amendment of Section 11 — Livestock and Poultry
The following is the approved amendment language for the Filing 6 signature collection process.
Pursuant to Section 17 of the Declaration applicable to Lake Arbor Filing No. 6, the undersigned owners of lots within Lake Arbor Filing No. 6 hereby approve the following amendment to Section 11 of the Declaration.
Section 11 is amended solely to create the following limited exception to the existing prohibition against livestock and poultry:
Backyard Hens Exception
Notwithstanding the existing prohibition against livestock and poultry contained in Section 11, an owner or occupant of a residential lot within Lake Arbor Filing No. 6 may keep up to six (6) female chickens (hens) on the lot, subject to the following requirements:
Roosters shall not be kept on any lot.
Hens shall be maintained within a secure coop, run, or other appropriate enclosure located in the rear yard of the lot.
The keeping of hens shall not create an unreasonable odor, noise, sanitation issue, or other nuisance affecting neighboring properties.
The keeping of hens and any associated coop, run, enclosure, or structure shall comply with all applicable governmental laws, ordinances, regulations, and requirements.
Except as expressly modified by this amendment, Section 11 and all other provisions of the Declaration applicable to Lake Arbor Filing No. 6 shall remain unchanged and in full force and effect.
FAQ
Common questions
Will roosters be allowed?
No. The amendment is limited to female chickens, or hens. Roosters would remain prohibited.
Will chickens be allowed to roam freely?
No. The amendment requires hens to be maintained within a secure coop, run, or other appropriate enclosure located in the rear yard.
What about smell?
The amendment specifically states that keeping hens may not create an unreasonable odor, sanitation issue, or other nuisance affecting neighboring properties.
What about noise?
Roosters would remain prohibited, and the amendment states that keeping hens may not create unreasonable noise affecting neighboring properties.
Will this attract rats or pests?
Coop and feed areas will need to be managed responsibly. The amendment prohibits unreasonable sanitation issues and other nuisance conditions affecting neighboring properties.
Does signing mean I have to own chickens?
No. Signing means you support giving Filing 6 homeowners the choice to keep hens under the requirements of the amendment.
Does this affect the entire Lake Arbor neighborhood?
No. This amendment would apply only to Lake Arbor Filing No. 6.
How many homeowners need to approve the amendment?
Filing 6 contains 377 lots. Approval from a majority requires at least 189 lots. The campaign goal is 220 signed lots to provide a margin above the minimum requirement.
Who is organizing this?
This is a homeowner-led effort organized by Zach Landis, a Filing 6 resident.
GET INVOLVED
Want to support the amendment?
If you live in Filing 6 and would like to support the amendment, ask a question, or help with neighborhood outreach, get in touch.