The Allen City Council in July amended its existing ordinance pertaining to raising chickens in backyards.

The new ordinance makes it more feasible for residents living on smaller lots to raise chickens by lowering the required distance from property lines from 150 feet to 20 feet. Residents may have no more than four chickens per property.

The council also instituted a permitting process. Anyone wanting to keep backyard chickens must apply for a $25 permit from the city.

Homeowners with properties that have homeowners association restrictions against backyard chickens or properties that have deed restrictions against owning chickens will not be eligible for a permit.