Pigeon issue ruffles feathers

ELK RIDGE — Elk Ridge's homing-pigeon issue — thought by most to have been resolved more than two years ago — has returned to roost.

This time, however, the city has set its sights on limiting the number of pigeons a homeowner can raise.

Pigeon owner Jim Clark said he didn't know the city was planning to restrict the number of birds he could have.

City leaders want to make sure that Clark can't increase his flock. He has about 85 birds in all.

Elk Ridge's's Planning Commission is expected to recommend a city ordinance that allows Clark to keep his pigeons — but restricts him from adding to the brood. The proposed law also says other residents can't start flocks.

Just how many pigeons the city will allow Clark to have hasn't yet been determined, said Mayor Vernon Fritz said. Restrictions vary in other towns.

Mapleton has no restrictions on homing pigeons, while Spanish Fork officials say eight is enough in residential areas. In American Fork, homing pigeons aren't allowed in a residential area unless they're kept inside in a bird cage.

However, Pleasant Grove officials are more sympathetic towards the hobby. Last December the Pleasant Grove City Council raised the limit above the previous limit of 50 birds and allowed breeders and racers to have 90 birds during most of the year.

During the breeding and racing seasons they can keep as many as 120.

The Elk Ridge Planning Commission wanted a total ban on pigeons, but Clark is "sort of grand-fathered in," Fritz said.

The proposed ordinance, which regulates pets and birds in the city, is set to come before the City Council in two weeks, City Planner Ken Young said.

City leaders are nervous about what they fear could come out of the sky — and they don't want the mess.

When the issue first took flight more than two years ago, Clark insisted that it was starlings who left the mess when residents complained to the city.

Pigeons drop on takeoff, not when they're landing, he said.

The City Council dropped the issue that time after Clark went to the city's Board of Adjustments and got the birds classified as pets.

Still, neighbors' feathers are ruffled at all the fowl play, according to city workers.

Clark tells a different story.

"No one's ever complained to me," he said.