NewsChannel5.com | Nashville News, Weather & SportsMetro Nashville Council OKs Backyard Chickens

Metro Nashville Council OKs Backyard Chickens

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP/NewsChannel 5) - Nashville residents will be legally able to raise backyard chickens, but with no roosters 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.

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.

After receiving permission from her neighbors, Julie Simpson brought four chickens into the backyard of her West Meade home.  That was eight months ago before Metro Council voted to allow them.

"Oh, a huge relief just to know that I don't have to hide them and I can shout it out I've got chickens and I'm proud of it," said Simpson.

But not everyone sees the benefit. Some said backyard chickens will only drag down property values.

That's why eight districts, including district 31 lead by Councilman Fabian Bedne, were allowed to opt out and keep their neighborhoods chicken free.

"I'm for sustainability but I just couldn't ignore the people that were concerned about the last remaining savings they had and put that in jeopardy I just couldn't do that," said Bedne.

The ordinance does not nullify homeowner's association rules.

Mayor Dean must sign off on the new decision before permits can be handed out.

(Copyright The Associated Press/NewsChannel 5.)