Each week we answer questions our readers have asked. What do you really want to know? Drop us a line; maybe we can help.

“What are the rules for raising a small flock of chickens?”
– Beverly, Rhinelander

The Star Journal asked Karl Jennrich, the director of Oneida County’s Planning and Zoning Department. Jennrich responded:

“You cannot raise chickens within the city limits of Rhinelander. However, we had some zoning changes a few years ago so people can now raise a small flock for their own use in District 2, which is single family residential. They are also allowed in District 10-general use, District 14-residential and retail and District 15-rural residential.

“For those residing in District 2-single family residential, certain rules do apply. For instance, only eight chickens are allowed in a flock, and none can be roosters. Also male and female ducks are allowed. Chickens or ducks must have a coop, and it can’t be located closer than 50 feet to any lot line or within 75 feet from the ordinary high water mark of any lake, river or stream, and minimum lot size is one acre.

“There is no restriction on the chicken or duck species.”