ROCK SPRINGS — The Rock Springs City Council voted 5-4 Tuesday, April 15, to allow residents to have chickens within city limits.
Voting for the amendment change to ordinance 2025-05 were Councilors Rick Milonas, Rob Zotti, Larry Hickerson and Eric Bingham. Voting against the change were Councilors Jeannie Demas, David Thompson, Dan Pedri and Randy Hanson. Breaking the tie and voting in favor of chickens was Mayor Max Mickelson.
Prior to the vote, Mickelson said he was in favor of “giving it a shot” but offered a warning to residents: The privilege to have chickens within city limits will be taken away if residents who own chickens do not take care of them properly. Mickelson said the city’s Animal Control office is extremely busy and simply does not have the space to take in chickens. He added if the city gets “one complaint, we will go back to not allowing chickens.”
Zotti agreed with the mayor but noted he does not want to impose on people’s freedom to use their property as they see fit.
Pedri, who voted against the motion, said he heard from more people against having chickens than he did for it. Hickerson said he heard from many people for the change. Milonas said he heard from people on both sides of the issue and noted council, no matter how it votes, will be able to make everyone happy. He voted in favor, saying, “I’m all for chickens for their eggs.”
No public comment was taken prior to the vote.
The amendment requires the following from residents wishing to have chickens:
- A $25 non-refundable permit must be obtained prior to having chickens.
- The applicant must obtain a signed written consent from adjacent property owners.
- Roosters are not allowed.
- Slaughtering of chickens within city limits is not allowed.
- Chickens must be kept in a covered or fenced enclosure which cannot be located closer than 3 feet from any adjacent property line or 25 feet from any adjacent property structure.
- All chickens must be kept outside in a predator-proof enclosure.
- Failure to abide by the rules set forth by the city shall be a criminal offense punishable by up to a $750 fine and/or jail time up to six months.
