ROCKLAND, Maine — The City Council gave unanimous preliminary approval Monday night to an ordinance that would allow chickens in more residential areas if the owner meets certain conditions and obtains a permit from the city.
The ordinance also would require a permit for any resident raising chickens, including those who already have hens unless they live in an area zoned for agriculture.
Councilor Valli Geiger proposed the ordinance, saying she was contacted by a resident who wants to raise chickens.
Chickens will be allowed at nearly all residential areas, except the most restrictive AA zones, which include the Samoset Road and Pen Bay Acres. Rockland has residential zones that include B, which is the most widespread, followed by the more restrictive A and then AA. Chickens are allowed without any restrictions in B zones.
Under the proposed ordinance, however, all owners in any permitted zone would be limited to nine hens, and roosters would be prohibited. Chickens also would have to be enclosed in a pen or coop and be restricted to the rear yard of the property. The coops also would need to be located at least 15 feet from the property line, and there would be provisions in place for keeping the coop and pen area clean.
There is no cost for the permit under the proposal, though the council would be allowed to set a fee.
A public hearing and final vote are scheduled for Oct. 14.
The council debated allowing chickens in 2011, when Councilor Elizabeth Dickerson offered a similar proposal. That measure, however, was continually postponed and eventually died after five months of debate.
Several other communities across the state have altered zoning restrictions to allow chickens as part of a larger nationwide movement in organic farming. Proponents say the benefits include inexpensive meat and fresh eggs and that chickens help with pest control and provide nutrients for gardens.
Portland, South Portland, Camden and Orono, have allowed backyard chickens while other communities, such as Bangor, have grappled with similar proposals but fail to approve them.