The city is lifting its ban on backyard chickens thanks to a 10- year-old girl who waged a summerlong campaign with slogans such as "Give Peeps a Chance."
Permits to raise domesticated livestock will become available Sept. 25, and Olivia Collins said she already is picking out names.
"I've come up with Phoebe, Olympia -- the list goes on and on," Olivia said.
The City Council voted 7-0 Wednesday to issue up to 20 permits a year, with no more than six chickens per lot. Roosters, who are prone to loud crowing, are still barred.
South Portland joins Cape Elizabeth and Biddeford in allowing pet chickens. Westbrook is considering changing its law to permit the birds.
Councilors in South Portland have set parameters to ensure that chicken owners don't run afoul of their neighbors. Odors and noise from the chickens, for example, must not be detected at the property lines.
Also, henhouses must provide adequate shade and be made of the same type of material throughout -- sheet metal and waste board are banned -- and painted uniformly so it "shall be in harmony with the surrounding area," according to the ordinance.
"I think it's important to have those things in place that protect the neighbors and protect the chicken, if you want to know the truth," said Councilor Maxine Beecher, who pointed out that the chickens cannot be slaughtered.
Permits will cost $25 a year, but an additional $25 is required for city approval to build a henhouse or chicken pen.
Olivia spoke six times before city councilors and helped collect more than 400 signatures in support of her initiative -- all in the name of helping the environment.
Getting fresh eggs from the backyard means the family won't have to buy eggs transported by fuel-guzzling trucks.
Olivia's mother, Stacey Collins, added that she will use the chicken droppings as compost for her garden, and then feed the chickens older vegetables.
"It's really quite a lovely circle of being able to use things and keep nature the way it should be," said Collins, a freelance writer and graphic designer.
Collins said she expects about 10 or so households will seek permits, including several families who have unknowingly been breaking the law by keeping chickens.
Collins said she will post more information about the ordinance for prospective hen owners on the family's Web site, www.sopochickens.org.
Staff Writer Josie Huang can be contacted at 791-6364 or at:
jhuang@pressherald.com
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