Midvale to allow chickens in residential areas

MIDVALE — The Midvale City Council has voted to allow chickens in residential neighborhoods.

The city is the most recent of several Utah municipalities to consider urban hens. The cities and towns are responding to a national sustainability trend that encourages organic eating and knowing food's origin.

In this midvalley suburb, chickens will be allowed under the legal framework of a conditional-use permit. Only hens will be allowed, and they must be kept 10 feet from the pet owner's house and 30 feet from neighboring houses, said Midvale spokeswoman Paige Moore.

Permits can be revoked or reviewed if the surrounding community loses patience.

Total lot size also will be taken into consideration in granting the special permits.

Residents in favor of fowl told the City Council that hens create natural fertilizer and cheap bug control, Moore said. Conversely, another resident raised concern over noise and cleanliness.

The city has been reviewing the issue throughout the summer.

— Rebecca Palmer