Layton residents turn out to voice opinions on chickens

LAYTON — Layton residents turned out Thursday to support a proposed ordinance allowing chickens in the city's residential zones.

The Layton City Council held an information-only public hearing to gauge residents' opinions about the proposal, which got a positive vote of support from the Layton Planning Commission in September.

The proposed ordinance would allow homeowners in the R-1-6, R-1-8 and R-1-10 zones to keep up to six hens if the home's lot is at least 6,000 square feet.

Chickens would have to be kept in pens at least five feet from any property line, and pens could be no more than 120 square feet and no taller than 7 feet.

Roosters would not be allowed.

Typically, most subdivisions would land in one of the aforementioned zones, as well as the two zones — agricultural and residential suburban — where chickens are currently allowed.

Most who spoke supported allowing chickens and touted their benefits.

Resident Brian Christensen said chickens are quieter than the numerous dogs in his neighborhood.

Gerald Everett said he has kept chickens and urged the City Council to take a good look at the ordinance.

"It really is a matter of giving us back our rights," he said, referring to a time when residents could have chickens anywhere in the city.

Other residents said they enjoy the fresh eggs, the teaching opportunities for their children, the lack of odor and how adorable chickens are.

The City Council is still accepting comments on chickens. Contact information for the council members is available at www.laytoncity.org.

Layton Mayor Steve Curtis said he expects the council to vote on the proposed ordinance, possibly as soon as the next council meeting, Feb. 4.

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