Chickens have been creating some problems in Summit Hill.

Dan Matika, zoning officer, said there are a couple of residences in the borough that have chickens as pets and the owners are letting them roam freely.

As a result, they are making messes on other properties and even on neighboring porches.

Matika said a resident in another block from where the chickens are raised caught some that were loose.

He told borough council on Monday the ordinance permits chickens but only if they’re caged and the cages are kept clean.

There are some property locations where chickens are being raised without any problems, he said.

He also clarified that according to the ordinance, chickens are permitted but roosters are not.

The council said anyone who has unrestrained chickens, or any rooster, will be cited. Citations will also be issued if people who have chickens in cages don’t manage the smell and the cleanliness.

Attorney Robert Frycklund, borough’s solicitor, asked if the borough has an animal control officer.

He said the ordinance was drawn up in 2004 and calls for an animal humane officer who can cite offenders.

David Wargo, a member of council, said at one time a police officer who is no longer in the borough held that position.

He said the Police Committee of the council will discuss the matter.

In other zoning business, Matika said he responded to nine quality of life issues during June. Eight were resolved with one citation being issued.

He also inspected one rental property.