Paula Porter/For the Mining Gazette A coop such as this one in the Calumet area could accommodate 4 hens on a city property.

HANCOCK — Chickens could soon be allowed within Hancock.

Wednesday, the council voted to introduce a revision to its animal ordinance that would allow up to four female poultry per property. Other animals permitted in the city are rabbits, which are restricted to six per property, and domestic pets.

“I think we should let our citizens be as self-sufficient as possible,” said Councilor Whitney Warstler. “… My neighbor can have four pit bulls right now. I’d rather they have four chickens than four pit bulls.”

The list of prohibited animals includes cattle and livestock in areas not zoned for agriculture use, as well as male poultry, wild animals barred through state or federal laws and regulations, venomous insects or snakes, exotic animals and bees.

Other provisions include standards on caring for animals and restraining them. Chickens would not be allowed to be free-range on owners’ property or rental properties.

The council will hold a public hearing on the ordinance Oct. 16.

The council voted 5-2 to introduce the ordinance, with Councilors Ron Blau and Rick Freeman Jr., voting against.

“You have chickens in your yard, you’re going to have hawks, eagles, owls, all sorts of different animals, foxes, wanting to come around for those chickens,” Blau said. “That makes a big difference. That’s why we voted it down the last time.”

In 2015, the council had considered removing chickens from the list of banned animals in a proposed ordinance, but decided against it.

Some residents spoke in support of the ordinance during public comments at the start of the meeting.

Carolyn Dekker, who said she’s been in touch with the council on and off for the past two years trying to get chickens allowed, called it a “thoughtfully drafted ordinance.”

“I love that it’s been drafted such that there would be four hens per property, no roosters, no noise, no mess,” she said.

The council also approved an ordinance amending city laws on cross connection, or piping that could allow sewage or other contaminants to enter drinking water systems through backflow. City Manager Mary Babcock described the change as a minor one to verbiage.

The ordinance requires backflow prevention assemblies to be tested when they are installed or relocated, and after any repair.

Owners must have their devices tested every three years after that in accordance with Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy requirements.

Violations of any provision of the ordinance will be considered a misdemeanor offense and punished with a fine of $50 to $100 for each occurrence.

The ordinance passed 4-3, with Blau, Freeman and Councilor Ryan Tanner voting against.