Full Breakdown
Springville City Council Adjusts Backyard Chicken Ordinance
3/16/2026, 3:20:43 AM
Overview of the Ordinance Changes
The Springville City Council has recently amended its ordinance regarding backyard chickens, responding to significant community interest and feedback. Previously, the ordinance limited residential households to a maximum of six chickens, but confusion arose due to a clause suggesting different guidelines for larger lots. Following public input, the council established a tiered system based on lot size, allowing for increased chicken ownership.
Key Changes to the Ordinance
On March 2, 2023, the City Council passed an updated ordinance that introduces a tiered structure for chicken ownership. Under the new regulations, residential lots under 12,000 square feet can have a maximum of six chickens, those between 12,000 and 16,000 square feet can have up to ten, and lots larger than 16,000 square feet can accommodate up to sixteen chickens. Additionally, restrictions that previously barred twin homes and duplexes from keeping chickens have been lifted, and the prohibition on selling eggs has been removed.
Community Engagement and Perspectives
Mayor Matt Packard noted the overwhelming response from residents regarding the chicken regulations, stating, "We got more emails on this than I have in six years in relation to raising any utility fees or property taxes combined." Many residents expressed their desire for more lenient regulations, emphasizing the benefits of backyard chickens, such as reducing food waste and fostering family engagement. Karen Anderson, a local educator, shared her emotional connection to her chickens, highlighting their role in her family's life.
Michael Andersen, a new father, voiced concerns about future challenges, referencing economic factors like grocery price increases. He urged the council to reconsider the ordinance, pointing out perceived errors and advocating for minimal government intervention. Other residents suggested expanding the ordinance to include various small fowl and allowing the sale of eggs to neighbors.
Official Statements & Responses
Councilman Logan Millsap articulated the council's intent to promote "gentle density" within the city, ensuring that residents in duplexes and twin homes enjoy the same quality of life as those in single-family homes. The council acknowledged that the original selling restriction was intended to prevent overreach but deemed it unnecessary under the new tiered system.
Why It Matters
The revised ordinance reflects a growing trend in urban areas to embrace backyard farming and sustainable living practices. By allowing more chickens based on lot size, Springville aims to balance community desires with regulatory oversight, fostering a sense of local engagement and self-sufficiency among residents.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While the council's decision has been met with general approval, some residents remain skeptical about the potential for increased nuisance or overpopulation of chickens in residential areas. The council's discussions did not fully address concerns regarding enforcement of the new regulations or the potential impact on neighborhood dynamics.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I hope you feel that you have been heard.” — Matt Packard, Mayor of Springville
- “If we want to create more gentle density throughout the city, we want people to be able to live in places like duplexes and twin homes that don't dramatically change the character of neighborhoods. But they should still get to live the same equality of life that somebody in a single-family detached house does,” — Logan Millsap, Councilman
- “I implore you as an earlier citizen did, that the government which governs least governs best.” — Michael Andersen, Resident
