PITTSFIELD — Residents can keep chickens in certain areas of town after the Town Council approved changes to the zoning ordinance Tuesday night.

About a dozen supporters attended a public hearing on the zoning changes.

Holly Zadra, a supporter of change, said that keeping chickens can provide self-sufficiency to families as well as educate people about chickens. She added that using the chicken manure in compost can provide good fertilizer for gardens.

Zadra also told the council that many communities, including Belfast, South Portland, Falmouth and Orono allow chickens.

Jen Yarborough said raising chickens is good for families. The educational benefits start even before the chickens are bought — she said her daughter has already learned much about the animals she would like to raise.

The new ordinance allows domesticated female chickens to be kept in more urban residential districts.

Before the change, they were allowed only in non-urban areas.

The revisions state that the town’s code enforcement officer will be responsible for issuing and denying permits.

The code officer may also revoke or suspend the permits if residents don’t follow the ordinance rules, such as keeping a wire-enclosed house less than 200 square feet in size.