By ALEX SILVERMAN
KIRO Radio

If you're secretly harboring more than three chickens in Seattle, you needn't worry about running a-fowl of the law.

The Seattle City Council passed legislation Monday to increase the number of chickens permitted in a city residence from 3 to 8. The ordinance also bans roosters from city property.

The ordinance is in response to increased interest in urban farming. "Getting more productive use of public and private open space," said City Council president Richard Conlin.

"It's really expanding the opportunities for producing and distributing locally-grown food."

But why the ban on roosters? "They're kind of noisy," Conlin said. "They can be a problem for people. As for roosters currently living in Seattle, they're grandfathered into the new rule, and can "live out their lives with dignity and in peace," said Councilmember Tom Rasmussen.