SIDNEY -- Backyard chickens were again discussed by Sidney City Council.

In the October 14 city council meeting, Megan DeNardo approached the council with a proposal allowing chickens in the city limits. Her proposal was for families to be able to raise a limited number of chickens for food supply. 

Concerns voiced at the meeting included included increased work load for the Police Department's Code Enforcement officer, noise and odor control, and what to do if a chicken escapes the yard.

Interim City Manager Josh Hanson was tasked to work with DeNardo on proposed code changes if chickens are approved. 

Hanson presented their proposal Tuesday.

"During the October 14 regular council meeting, council directed the city manager to work with Megan DeNardo to compile several city ordinances related to allowing chickens within the city limits, as well as to review the current code enforcement ordinance concerning animals under Section 618 of the already established ordinance," Hanson said.

The ordinances are written to domestic animals specifically dogs.

Hanson said some amendments are necessary to accept chickens in the city limits.

"I reviewed the ordinance presented by Sierra, City Code Enforcement Officer, to determine whether any additional changes would be necessary should revision of the chicken ordinance be approved, allowing chickens within city limits. Within some of those ordinances, she had cited Section 618.2 Animals at Large. So that section does reference other animals, which would include chickens if found at-large. However, there would be some revisions to that existing ordinance. We would have to remove chickens as declared to be a common nuisance," he said.

Hanson said the section on impounding and the possible destruction of animals would need updated to include chickens. An annual permit would also be required. Permit holders would be subject to inspections by code enforcement officers.

Sidney Police Chief Sam Lovato asked the council to write the ordinance, if approved, to give officers to an enforcement guideline.

"Some of the concerns that I would like to see put into it give me the tools to do my job, if you guys move forward, give me the tools to do my job. I don't necessarily care 10 feet, five feet, one foot. I don't really care, as long as it's outline what you want me and my guys to do," Lovato said.