FREQUENTLY
ASKED
QUESTIONS
Agriculture, Chickens, & Rural Living
Can I still keep backyard chickens like I do today?
Yes, backyard chickens will still be allowed, but with limits and restrictions. Only 6 hens per acre, and roosters are prohibited in residential areas. Chickens are restricted to personal use only (no selling eggs or meat), and coop placement must comply with setbacks of 10 ft from the property line and 30 ft from adjacent property dwellings
Can I sell eggs or farm products from my R1 zoned property?
No, sale of eggs and other farm products are strictly prohibited.
What about beekeeping?
Lot area must be a minimum of 1/2 acre; with a maximum limit of 4 hives per acre. Set back requirements are 10 ft from the property line, and 30 ft from any dwelling on a separate parcel.
Additionally, flyway barriers (dense vegetation, a wall, or solid fence) at least 6 ft high to shield any property line within 25 ft of a hive.
🔴 ❓ What has Franklin County government done to advertise engagement with the zoning ordinance and Comprehensive Plan, and why does this matter?
The County shared the Comprehensive Plan through meetings and surveys across the community, giving people a chance to speak up early.
But for the zoning ordinance, most of the work was done first by staff and officials, and the public was brought in later with a few meetings and online posts. This meets the basic legal rules, but it gives people less time to shape the actual rules that affect their land. This matters because the Plan is just a big-picture vision, while zoning is the real set of rules. If people are not involved early in zoning, they may agree with the vision but not with the rules that follow.
🔴 ❓ Does the zoning ordinance have to match the Comprehensive Plan exactly?
No. The law only says zoning must be “generally consistent” with the Plan, not match it exactly. The Plan sets broad goals, such as protecting rural land and guiding growth, but it does not require detailed rules. The new ordinance adds many specific rules and permits that are not required by law. This means the County chose a more controlled system, not one it had to adopt.
🔴 ❓ Are most of the new restrictions required to implement the Comprehensive Plan?
No. The Plan does not require limits on animals, rules for home businesses, or detailed permits for everyday uses. These are added in the new ordinance. The effect is that instead of allowing most things unless there is a problem, the new system only allows what fits into set categories. This can make it harder for people to use their land flexibly.
🔴 ❓ Could a less restrictive ordinance still comply with the Comprehensive Plan?
Yes. The County could manage growth by focusing on where development happens and how dense it is, without adding rules to everyday activities. A simpler system could still meet the Plan goals while giving people more freedom. This shows the current level of restriction is a choice, not a legal need.
🔴 ❓ Is there a simpler way, through zoning, to implement the Comprehensive Plan, manage growth, and encourage businesses than what is currently proposed?
Yes. Growth can be managed through basic zoning, subdivision rules, and health and safety standards, with a focus on new development. At the same time, small farms and home businesses could be allowed more freely. The new ordinance goes further by adding permits and detailed rules across many uses, which is not required by law.
🔴 ❓ Does the zoning ordinance clearly state that un-zoned areas of the County are not affected?
No. The ordinance does not clearly say this in plain language. It refers to “zoned areas,” but does not clearly explain where the rules apply. This can confuse people about whether their land is affected. Clear zoning laws matter because they limit property rights, and unclear rules can lead to problems.
🔴 ❓ What happens to previously un-zoned or lightly regulated areas?
It depends on the zoning map. If those areas are added to a zoning district, they must comply with all the new rules, including permit requirements and use limits. This would be a significant change from the current system, in which those areas had more freedom. This change is allowed by law but not required
🔴 ❓ What growth is being regulated by the proposed zoning ordinance, and if that growth were managed directly, would the rest of the ordinance still be needed?
The ordinance primarily targets new housing, subdivisions, and larger projects such as solar facilities and data centers. But it also adds rules to everyday rural uses that are not growing or changing. Growth could be managed with more focused tools, without regulating everything else. This means many of the new rules go beyond what is needed.
🔴 ❓ Who benefits most from the proposed ordinance, and who is most affected?
Larger developers and big projects benefit from clear rules and approval paths. At the same time, small landowners, farmers, and people who use their land in simple ways may face more restrictions and requirements. The law does not require this shift—it is a policy choice.
🔴 ❓ When would residents have to start complying with the new zoning ordinance if it is adopted?
Are existing uses “grandfathered”, or could there be requirements that affect everyone?
The rules would start on the date the County sets. Existing uses can usually continue, but only within limits. If you expand, change, or rebuild, you may have to follow the new rules. Some standards may apply even to current uses. This means “grandfathering” is not full protection.
🔴 ❓ What is the difference between “legal nonconforming use” and “grandfathering,” and what does it mean for compliance over time?
“Grandfathering” is a common term, but the law uses “nonconforming use.” This means you can keep using your property as before, but you cannot easily expand or change it. Over time, these rights can shrink or be lost, limiting future options.
🔴 ❓ How do tax increases factor into this, and is one approach more cost-effective?
Zoning can affect property values, which affect taxes. More development and higher land values can raise tax bills and the cost of living. At the same time, more development can increase costs for roads, schools, and services. A simpler system may keep costs lower. The law does not require higher costs—it depends on local choices.
🔴 ❓ Will I need permits for more activities?
Yes. The new ordinance requires permits for more activities, such as changing a use, adding structures, or starting certain activities. This adds time, cost, and process. These extra permits are not required by law.
🔴 ❓ Can neighbors file complaints more easily?
Yes. The new system creates a clear and faster enforcement process. More defined rules also mean more chances for something to be considered a violation. This can make complaints more common and more formal.