A fight with HOA over chickens has lasted years for one Union County family. What started as a pet dispute became a costly legal battle. Now, the state’s highest court will decide the outcome.
Fight With HOA Over Chickens Leads to Years of Fines and Appeals
The fight with HOA over chickens began after Mary Schroeder moved into her Waxhaw home in 2017. She said the HOA allowed chickens as long as they were kept as pets.
For two years, there were no issues. Schroeder had around 60 chickens and a well-maintained coop. That changed during the pandemic.
The HOA said chickens violated community rules. They told Schroeder that others had removed theirs. Schroeder disagreed, citing advice from her attorney. She kept the chickens, but the decision came at a cost. The HOA fined her $100 per day. The total reached $31,500.
The HOA offered to cancel the fines if she removed the chickens or moved. She refused and took the matter to court.
A Union County jury ruled in favor of the HOA. The family appealed but paid the fine to remove a lien and sell their home. After settling the debt, they relocated to Monroe. In 2023, an appellate court recognized chickens as pets. Still, the HOA did not return the money.
The family expected repayment with interest. However, the HOA’s attorney contested the appellate court decision. The legal fight will end soon. The North Carolina Supreme Court will rule on April 22.
A GoFundMe campaign supports the family’s legal expenses. The HOA has not commented on the case.
