SLIPPERY ROCK — Backyard chickens have become a reality in the borough as of Tuesday's council meeting.

“This came to light because of a couple issues in the borough and whether or not we wanted to allow poultry in the borough or not,” said borough code enforcement officer Christian Laskey.

Following a public hearing that had no dissent, borough council approved the amendment, allowing the keeping of poultry at single-family dwellings in residential-zoned districts.

The amendment also includes a permit process and regulations for keeping the animals. Some of the key components of the regulations include prohibiting the keeping of a rooster or other nuisance fowl as well as a maximum of five fowl per home.

It will be illegal to allow poultry to run loose or roam free as well as to sell any of the eggs and meat to others.

“Obviously that's not allowed,” said Laskey.

The regulations also set standards of care for the animals with the U.S. Department of Agriculture's recommendations as the backbone.

In a statement made during the public comment section of the hearing, resident Becky Lubold supported the amendment.

“It is important and it is a valuable thing for people to be self-sufficient and produce their own food,” said Lubold, who is also manager of the Slippery Rock Farmers Market. “I also thank you for being proactive and productive in addressing this.”

Lubold also submitted a written statement, which included a perspective from this year's pandemic.

“I have seen first hand during this year of the COVID-19 pandemic how easily our 'typical' food systems and supply chains can be disrupted,” she said. “I've realized how essential it is to support the production and distribution of foods locally and provide access to them.”

Board president Russell Karl said he appreciated the work put into the amendment, which he said was thorough.

“I think it's good for the borough to allow people to do it and explain how to do it,” Karl said. “I think it's good for the borough to be at the forefront of this issue. There's a lot of people who for allergies or whatever reason want to raise their own chickens.”

Any residents who want more information about the new poultry regulations should call Laskey at the borough office.