Common Questions about Frederick Codes

Backyard Chickens

The bylaws of many homeowner association (HOA) do not allow poultry of any kind. The Town of Frederick encourages residents to research their individual homeowner association regulations.

If they are allowed by your HOA, here are the rules within the Town of Frederick:

  • Up to six (6) hens may be kept.
  • Roosters are not permitted.
  • No on-site slaughtering is allowed. 
  • A license is required to legally have backyard chickens on your property. The license is free, will only be issued once, and is not required to be renewed.

Please read additional regulations regarding backyard chicken before submitting and a license application.  Submit the application electronically to Amanda DeBord.

Bee Hives

The bylaws of many homeowner association (HOA) do not allow bees or insects of any kind. The Town of Frederick encourages residents to research their individual HOA regulations. 

If they are allowed by your HOA, here are a few things to know about what the Town of Frederick permits:

  • Bee colonies shall be kept in hives with movable frames, which shall be kept in sound and usable condition.
  • Hives must be located in the rear yard.
  • Hives must be located at least five feet (5’) from a property line.
  • A fresh supply of water shall be provided for all hives.
  • Africanized bees and hybrids of Africanized bees are prohibited.
  • A license is required to legally keep bees on your property. The license is free, will only be issued once, and is not required to be renewed.

For maximum number of hives based on property zoning, and to see if you qualify for a license, please refer to the bee keeping license application.  Submit the application electronically to Amanda DeBord.

Setbacks

  • Setbacks are determined by your zoning.  If you know your zoning district and you do not have a Planned Unit Development (PUD) overlay on your property, follow the table that defines your setbacks.
  • If your subdivision has a Planned Unit Development (PUD) Overlay District, please contact the Planning Department regarding setbacks.

Easements

  • Absolutely no permanent structures allowed inside easements. 
  • If you know how to read a plat, use the property search map to locate your home, on the plat you will need to locate your house by lot and block number.  If plats are not in your expertise, call the Planning Department and ask to speak with the Planner on Duty who will be happy to help you. 
  • Got more questions? Call the Planning Department.


Fences

  • No permit is required for installing a fence, however if a contractor is installing the fence, they must be licensed with the Town.
  • Be sure to check with your HOA for your development standards such as style and approved colors. If you live in a development with no HOA please contact the planning department for approved styles and colors. If the fence is for a commercial building, check with the planning department for guidelines.
  • Rear and side fences can be up to 6ft tall
  • Front fences can not exceed 42 inches and may not be located within the sight triangle.
  • Corner fences must be 50% see through. Corner fencing is subject to special angles, (distance/sight triangle) so oncoming traffic and pedestrians can be seen. Please contact the Engineering Department before installing a corner fence. 

Pools

  • All in-ground pools need a building permit. 
  • Pool must be located outside of any existing easements on the property.
  • Accessory structures proposed with Pool (pool house, shed, etc)?  Submit drawings, plot plan showing distance to other structures and the permit application electronically to the Building Department.