Chicken supporters in Chesapeake have won a campaign to keep hens in their backyards, at least for a year.
The Virginian-Pilot reports that City Council approved backyard chickens in neighborhoods on Tuesday. Up to six laying hens will be allowed.
But there's a provision to review the code change in one year to decide whether it should be permanent.
A group called 4 Chesapeake Hens began lobbying the council and the Planning Commission in the summer to allow residents to keep hens in their backyards. Mary Lou Burke says the group will continue its public education efforts regarding chickens and organic gardens.
Chickens already are allowed in residential estate and agricultural districts.
Copyright AP - Associated Press
