The City of Penticton is considering the idea of allowing backyard chicken coops.

The idea was lobbied by Chris Remington, the chef at the Lakeside Hotel, and will now be researched by city staff.

Director of Development Services Anthony Haddad will look at other communities to see if the idea fits.

"Looking at limiting number of hens, allowing no roosters, looking at what lot size restrictions could be applied to the residential areas of the city. So we'll be investigating and bringing back a report to council over the next few weeks."

Last week the Agricultural Committee was presented with a 150 person petition in support of the coops.

Haddad says they will begin by looking at local communities.

"The South Okanagan that's what we're going to be researching. There are a number of municipalities in BC that do allow it and we're going to be looking at what other municipalities in the valley have allowed this or looked into the potential for allowing it."

Haddad hopes to have his report ready for council by the end of November.

Anita Sthankiya -Penticton