(STURGIS) – The possibility of having urban chickens in Sturgis took another step forward Tuesday night.

The Sturgis Planning Commission voted to direct City Staff to create a proposed ordinance for review that would allow urban chickens within the City limits.

The Planning Commission heard from several members of the audience who were in favor of allowing chickens. Many of the people who spoke said they wanted to be able to have the eggs produced by the chickens to help offset the rising cost of eggs at the grocery stores. Others said allowing chickens would be good for teaching children responsibility on how to care for the animals.

Some concerns were raised by audience members. One person questioned how many chickens would be allowed per residence if an ordinance was passed, and who would be in charge of making sure people were following the ordinance.

The Planning Commission assured the audience that everything that was mentioned would be taken into consideration as City Staff works on the proposed ordinance. No timeline was given as to when the ordinance would be completed. Once it is approved by the Planning Commission, it will then be given to the City Commission for discussion and consideration.

This is the third time in the last 12 years the matter of urban chickens has been looked at by the City of Sturgis. It was brought up again in March when Vice Mayor Aaron Miller said he and Mayor Jeff Mullins had been contacted by residents who wanted to have the Commission discuss the idea once again.