Centerville may OK rabbits, hens

CENTERVILLE — The Planning Commission is preparing to consider an ordinance that would allow the raising of rabbits and chickens in Centerville's agricultural and low-density residential areas.

The ordinance — which is available for review on the city's Web site, www.centervilleut.net, under "Community Development" — would require a permit for residents who want to keep rabbits and chickens for recreation or home food production.

Roosters would not be allowed, and any roosters hatched would have to be removed from the property within five months.

No more than six hen chickens or rabbits or a combination of them would be allowed on a single lot.

Planning commissioners don't have authority to approve an ordinance, but they make a recommendation to the City Council.

The proposed ordinance gives direction for size of coop construction and states that coops must be kept clean so no smell can be detected from neighboring property lines.

The ordinance would permit slaughtering of animals for food, as long as remains are discarded properly.

The Planning Commission will accept comments during a 7 p.m. Wednesday meeting at City Hall, 250 N. Main.

Written comments may be submitted to btoponce@centervilleut.com.

— Joseph M. Dougherty