Politics & Government

Tampa Welcomes Urban Chickens

The city council is paving the way for residents to raise their own cluckers.

Tampa’s going to the birds.

Literally!

The Tampa City Council has voted 6-1 to alter the ordinance regulating livestock within the city limits. The changes, which will go into effect in January 2013, will make it simpler for people to raise chickens in their own yards, according to TBO.com.

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While city laws don’t necessarily ban backyard birds, they do make it difficult for people to pull it off. For example, the current rules say there needs to be a 200-foot buffer between neighbors and chicken coops, TBO reports.

The new rules have been under consideration to meet a growing trend toward urban gardening. As more people feel the economy’s pinch, some are looking for ways to stretch their dollars. This includes growing backyard vegetables and raising chickens for eggs in small city yards. In places close to New Tampa, , as well.

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Would you keep backyard chickens? Would you be upset if your neighbors did? Let us know in the comments section.


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