Coming soon: Chickens in Rocky Top?
Chickens could soon become a backyard staple in Rocky Top if the city’s Planning Commission and City Council agree.
During last Thursday’s City Council meeting, Mayor Timothy Sharp said some people had approached him about the city changing its codes to allow chicken “farming” inside the city limits.
Right now, chickens are not allowed, as they are considered “livestock,” which is not permitted under city ordinances, City Manager Michael Foster said.
But that could change, especially considering the current high food prices – which continue to climb – he said.
“When eggs are up to $5 a dozen, there are people who want to raise chickens to get their own eggs,” Foster said.
Sharp brought the issue up during the meeting, saying:
“We need to look at chickens, but we don’t need them in the middle of town.”
He mentioned that a city resident has been keeping chickens on his property, and has asked about getting the rules changed.
But that person has about two acres, not just a regular city lot, the mayor noted.
Foster said the Planning Commission will be asked to look at the issue and make recommendations on changing the ordinance to allow chickens inside the city under some circumstances, and forward those recommendations to the council.
That might not include roosters, though, Foster said.
“A lot of cities allow chickens, but not roosters,” he said, considering that they can wake an entire neighborhood by crowing at the crack of dawn.
The issue could be on the council agenda as early as the next council meeting, at least for discussion, city officials suggested.