Norfolk considering allowing certain birds to be raised in town

NORFOLK, Neb. -- The City of Norfolk is considering amending the city code to allow certain livestock birds to be raised in town.

The motion, if approved, would allow chickens, hens, bantam hens, and ducks inside city limits with a valid permit.

Residents wishing to do so would need permission from their neighbors before they could own their bird of choice. Residents will need permission from adjacent neighbors and 75% of surrounding neighbors in order to be issued a permit.

One person in favor of the motion was 11-and-a-half-year-old Isabel Finch, who argued allowing birds in the city could be beneficial to residents, as an educational tool for kids, and as a cheap way to get eggs.

"I believe it is a very good idea to have birds like chickens and ducks because you can get eggs from them and that can help instead of buying them," Finch said. "I guess sometimes they're loud, but you can solve those problems by getting permission. They help out a lot too."

Unfortunately for Finch and fellow supporters, they will have to wait before a final decision is made. The motion passed on the first reading in a 5-3 vote, with a second reading vote expected at the city's next meeting.