Troy City Council amends livestock ordinance to allow chickens

Troy City Council on May 24 completed the second reading of a proposed ordinance to allow chickens within city limits, meaning the ordinance will go into effect on June 24 after a 30-day wait period.

Those city residents who have campaigned to be allowed to keep chickens within city limits will, on June 25, be able to pay the city a $25 fee to keep up to five chickens.

Roosters are strictly prohibited due to noise concerns.

“People applying for a chicken permit will need to come to the city, pay the fee and fill out an application and then the license will be sent in the mail, so it’s not a same day service,” said City Clerk Sandi Sullivan.

Chicken license holders will be required to adhere to the restrictions outlined in the ordinance, including providing sanitary and humane housing that is predator proof, not keeping chickens in a visible place such as a front yard or property line, and not slaughtering chickens within view of neighbors.

Troy joins nearby cities Spokane and Missoula in allowing residents to participate in “urban farming” by keeping fowl within city limits.

The ordinance, an amendment to a Troy city ordinance covering swine, livestock and domestic animals, is available at Troy City Hall or online at www.cityoftroymontana.com.