They Aren’t Turkeys, But You Can Raise Them in Town.

At a regular meeting of the Olney City Council Monday, Nov. 12, the council approved an ordinance that allows the keeping of chickens within city limits.

This ordinance comes as an amendment to a previous ordinance, City Secretary Tim Houston explained.

“This [ordinance] will allow residents within residential zones R1 and R2 – which are the major residential areas for single-family dwellings—to own up to six chickens,” he said.“ Residential owners would have to provide five square-feet per chicken, a shelter or coop, and a minimum of 15 square-feet overall for an exercise area.”

Houston also noted that the chicken coop must also meet the minimum setback requirements for rear-yard accessory buildings, defined in the city’s code as 5 feet from the side yard lines, 20 feet from the rear yard line and 15 feet from a side street. The city also requires that the chicken coop must be cleaned once per week, requiring daily maintenance if a foul odor emits from the shelter.

The council unanimously approved the ordinance.