PROVO — Provo's controversial chicken ordinance passed by a feather.

Following a 4-3 vote of the City Council on Tuesday night, Provo residents with lots of at least 6,000 square feet can have chickens, with certain restrictions.

However, the City Council failed to pass an attempt to remove the fee requirement in the new ordinance. The fee will be set later when costs of enforcing the ordinance are determined.

The ordinance requires an enclosed chicken coop no closer than 15 feet from the property line. Lots measuring 10,000 square feet can have up to six chickens, and two chickens are allowed on lots as small as 6,000 square feet.

The ordinance received both good and bad reviews from residents, with many revealing that they already had chickens in their neighborhoods. The ordinance makes the illegal birds legal, but owners are still required to get a permit.

— Rodger L. Hardy