Raising chickens in the backyard is becoming more and more common in the United States and Munford is amending its code to clarify regulations on the practice.
Munford Mayor Dwayne Cole called them “common sense regulations.” Among the new regulations are that chickens must be kept in the backyard, properly contained and cared for. The eggs cannot be sold and are to be used for family consumption only.
An ordinance with the revised code was passed last month on first reading. A second reading and public hearing will be held on the matter June 27 at 7 p.m. at Munford City Hall. If the ordinance passes June 27 it will become law.
“We’re doing this to protect our citizens,” said Cole, noting that chickens running loose can cause traffic accidents. “We are not opposed to people raising chickens.”
The revised code calls for inspection and permit fees, but Cole said those funds will do nothing more than pay for the manpower used to enforce the code.
“It’s cost recovery only.”
