Chickens in Golden Valley?

The Golden Valley City Council is used to tackling redevelopment issues and transportation concerns but now city officials are dabbling in agriculture. The city is looking into an ordinance that would allow residents to keep chickens on their property. The Golden Valley City Council has instructed the Environmental Commission to spend the next six to twelve months looking into the idea.

The Environmental Commission has scheduled several speakers, both for and against keeping chickens in urban areas, to address the group.

It’s a debate that has come up in several neighboring cities. Maplewood approved an ordinance last year that allows residents to keep up to 10 chickens. The city requires residents to get their neighbors approval and apply for a permit every year.

Advocates say raising chickens provides a food supplement and an educational opportunity for children. Opponents believe chickens aren’t meant to be backyard animals and can disturb neighborhoods where residents live close together.

What do you think? Should Golden Valley residents be allowed to keep chickens? Tell us your comments below.