Chicken ordinance has residents clucking: many cities along Wasatch Front allowing chickens in residential areas

WEST JORDAN — The five hens cluck softly and wander around their backyard pen as Jenette Scott gathers four light-brown eggs and one olive green one.

Scott calls her five hens by name — Olga, Dipsy, Charlotte, Little Red Hen and Topsy Turvy. They aren't just egg-laying machines, the West Jordan mom says; they are part of the family.

Caring for the chickens teaches her children responsibility, and the eggs are a nutritious addition to the Scott household menu.

"I grew up on a farm in Moab, and I like fresh eggs," Scott says. "It's fun to have chickens."

Several Utah cities, including West Jordan, recently have adopted ordinances allowing hens in residential areas. Other cities, including West Valley City and Pleasant Grove, have begun the process.

The West Valley City Council plans to vote Tuesday on an amendment to allow up to eight hens in residential ares. The proposal includes strict regulations regarding property size, proximity to neighbors and specifications on coops. No roosters would be allowed, and permits would be required.

Last week, the Pleasant Grove Planning Commission approved a proposal to allow backyard chickens. The issue will go before the City Council in September. The Planning Commission recommended limiting the number of chickens and requiring residents to maintain their coops or screen them so they can't be seen from the street. Like West Valley's regulations, Pleasant Grove's ordinance would limit the hens to non-commercial use.

Dozens of cities along the Wasatch Front now allow chickens in all or some residential areas.

The Ogden City Council plans to discuss a chicken ordinance in the next couple months. The city's Planning Commission recommended denial, however, saying once the barn door is open for one animal, residents tend to want more.

"If you start to allow chickens, then what's next? Goats?" asked Greg Montgomery, Ogden planning manager.

The recent action in Utah cities comes at the urging of residents who want to raise hens to save money on eggs, be self sustaining or simply have a unique pet.

Some residents, however, are not keen on the idea of their neighbors raising chickens.

"There is a definite portion of our population that says, 'I live in the city. If I wanted to live in the country, I wouldn't have bought in the city,' " said Degen Lewis, Pleasant Grove city engineer.

In West Valley City, some residents fear allowing chickens will tarnish the city's image.