The chicken ban followed complaints from neighbors of the Tuttle family that the five hens the family keeps as pets make too much noise, create intrusive smells and ward off potential renters in the area, The Boston Globe reported Thursday.

The five-member zoning board ruled in favor of the Tuttles, saying their pets don't meet the definition of agriculture because they aren't used for food.

Board members Rebecca Curran and Annie Harris said they have kept chickens as pets in the past.