Metro Nashville Council OKs backyard chickens

Friday, January 13, 2012, Vol. 36, No. 2

NASHVILLE (AP) - Nashville residents will be legally able to raise backyard chickens, but with no boys allowed.

The Metro Nashville Council voted 21-15 on Tuesday to let people who live in the city raise the fowl, but only hens. Roosters will be prohibited.

The measure will allow two, four or six chickens, depending on the size of the person's property, according to The Tennessean (http://tnne.ws/z6K0XD ). A permit to raise chickens will cost $25 and an amendment that squeaked by lets eight of the 35 council districts opt out. There is also a "sunset provision" that required the council to pass the issue again in two years if it is to remain in force.

The proposal awaits Mayor Karl Dean's signature.