Backyard Chicken Proposal Up for Vote

We should find out Tuesday night, if a proposal to allow backyard chickens has ruffled any feathers. A group called Pinellas County Citizens for Backyard Poultry wants Pinellas County Commissioners to approve a proposed ordinance that would allow residents to raise chickens on their property. 

Residents could keep up to four chickens in areas where raising poultry is banned. All chickens would be required to be kept in coops and roosters would not be allowed. Chickens are already allowed in agricultural areas of Pinellas County and in some cities including Dunedin, Gulfport, Largo, St. Petersburg and Belleair.

The proposal is scheduled for a second public hearing during Tuesday's county commission meeting. Some commissioners have already voiced their support for the proposal. 

Pinellas County Commisioners are not alone when it comes to considering backyard chickens. Communities across the country are making decisions about urban farming as the economy prompts people to look for cheaper ways to put food on the table.