After months of debate, the Columbia City Council approved the urban hen ordinance Monday. Under the ordinance, residents will be allowed to keep up to six hens within city limits. The ordinance passed in a 4-3 vote.
Under the new bill, residents are able to keep the chickens for non-commercial purposes. They are limited in the type of hen house they use and the hen houses proximity to their neighbor's property.
Concerns regarding the ordinance include decreasing property value while advocates like the idea of producing fresh, local food for their families.
Classes will be available through the Columbia Center for Urban Agriculture to teach those interested more about raising urban hens.
Do you plan on raising hens in city limits? Why or why not?