BRISTOL, Va. (WJHL) — Bristol, Virginia city leaders voted to loosen an ordinance Tuesday that they say would help property owners raise chickens in their yards amid a time when egg prices are spiking in stores across America.

City Mayor Becky Nave stressed there are still guidelines in place to protect neighbors, the city has just made it easier and less expensive to obtain a permit to raise chickens.

“We’ve always had the ordinance in place,” Nave said Tuesday night. “We just wanted to make sure that we had the right restrictions in place, but loosened some of those things that were stopping them from having their chickens. And so now, it gives them the opportunity, if they would like, to have those in the city.”

The new ordinance outlines that people living in city limits cannot have more than six chickens, cannot have any roosters, and coop(s) must be at least 25 feet from any non-owner-occupied structure and 10 feet from any adjoining property line.

Coops must also be “located behind the plane of the rear wall of the residence,” the ordinance states. A detailed guideline for the required specifications of coops was provided, as well, which can be found below:

• Chickens shall be kept inside an enclosed shelter and fenced pen with the following specifications:
  • A covered, predator-proof shelter that is thoroughly ventilated, provides sun, shade, and protection from the elements, and is at least five square feet per chicken in size;
  • An attached pen enclosed at all times and on all sides and the top with strong fence of mesh wire, and providing at least ten square feet per chicken.

The city has the authority to inspect coops to ensure they comply with the ordinance.

Additionally, residents cannot slaughter chickens or sell poultry or eggs on the property.

The permit fee to raise chickens on residential property in city limits was previously lowered to $50 for the first year, and then $25 dollars for every year afterward.

The ordinance also said the city’s zoning administrator has the authority to provide conditions for the permit, including but not limited to screening, placement or other improvements of the applicant’s yard to reduce the impact on neighboring properties.

The full ordinance can be found by clicking here.