Later this month, Chelsea will see its share of backyard chickens following the adoption of a new ordinance two weeks ago.

Following the adoption of a new backyard chicken ordinance two weeks ago, city residents who want to have a few hens can go to the city website, download the new annual permit application and study Chelsea's ordinance requirements.

However, prospective city chicken owners are advised that the ordinance does not go into effect until April 25.

With the adoption of the ordinance, residents on small lots will be able to own up to four hens, provided that they satisfy strict ordinance requirements.

Those stipulations include that no roosters will be permitted and residents must live on single-family properties, in areas that do not restrict the ownership of poultry. Some condo associations and subdivisions prohibit the ownership of farm animals or other feathered creatures.

It costs $10 for an annual permit,and chicken enthusiasts must provide drawings of the chicken area, its location on the owner’s property, as well as the coop’s relation to neighboring properties.

The chickens must be housed in a secure, well-ventilated, roofed and lockable structure and the floors and walls must be kept clean and sanitary. Each chicken must have at least 10 feet of space in the enclosed area.

Residents should also be mindful where they place the chicken area as it must be at least 10 feet from the property line of an adjacent property, and it cannot be closer than 40 feet to any residential structure on any adjacent property.

There are other specific stipulations for disposal of chicken waste, prevention of rats, mice and other rodents and feed storage.

Lisa Allmendinger is a regional reporter for AnnArbor.com. She can be reached at lisaallmendinger@annarbor.com. For more Chelsea stories, visit our Chelsea page.