ST. CLOUD - Supporters of allowing backyard chickens in more St. Cloud neighborhoods didn't find any allies in the Planning Commission.

The Commission voted unanimously this (Tuesday) evening to recommend that the city council not make an ordinance change.

Commissioner Dennis Ballantine says his daughter lives near a chicken coop in another city, and it's been a challenge.

Ultimately the St. Cloud city council has the final say on whether they change the city code, which means the issue could come up again at a future city council meeting.

The city code allows residents to have chickens in the Agriculture and Rural Residential zoning districts.  The Agricultural zoning district encompasses about 5,700 acres - or 27 percent of the city. The Rural Residential district covers about 640 acres - or another three percent of the city.

The Health and Housing Advisory Appeals Committee and Planning Commission hosted a public forum on the issue last month.  Residents spoke both for-and-against the idea.  Supporters of an amendment say it would be a progressive step for the community, which would benefit neighborhood quality of life.

More From AM 1240 WJON