Proposed Poultry/Livestock Ordinance

Posted on October 12, 2025

New Castle County Ordinance Sec. 4.02.004.A prohibits the raising and keeping of a number of animal species on residential properties less than one acre in size. An Ardencroft resident has written the proposed ordinance below which ask New Castle County to exempt Ardencroft from this restriction for poultry and livestock. The motions below will be raised and discussed at the next Village Assembly meetings. Comments about this proposal can be submitted in advance directly to poultryliaisons@ardencroft.delaware.gov.

I move that:

The Village of Ardencroft ask New Castle County, through Councilman John Cartier, to exempt the village from NCC ordinance Sec. 4.02.004.A and that the village establish their own regulations.

I move that:

If the request for exemption is approved, the village establish the following regulations regarding poultry and livestock:

— at this time, only female chickens be allowed on any leasehold, excluding the keeping of roosters.

— a maximum of six hens be allowed on any leasehold

— access to appropriate predator-resistant shelter from adverse weather conditions be provided, properly ventilated and with an outdoor fenced-in area

— chickens must be confined to prevent them from coming into contact with wild animals or their excrement

— an agreement that the chicken coop will be cleaned on a regular basis

— the Village of Ardencroft reserves the right to revoke permission to keep chickens on any leasehold. Complaints and issues are to be submitted to the Village Chair.

These regulations do not impact the ownership or laws regarding dogs, cats, or other household pets as defined by New Castle County.

I move that:

The village consider allowance of other poultry and/or livestock upon application to the village and appropriate consideration by the village of the specifications of the request. When needed, the village shall establish an ad hoc committee to evaluate any such application.