Rock Springs council hears hours of public comment on proposed backyard-chicken ordinance; first reading only

Mayor Max Mickelson and the Rock Springs City Council on March 4 opened an extended public-comment period on a proposed ordinance to allow backyard chickens within city limits, hearing dozens of speakers and holding only a first reading of the measure.

The proposal drew a sizable turnout: Mayor Max Mickelson counted about 21 people who raised hands in favor and six opposed before the public-comment portion began. Residents who spoke in favor said backyard chickens provide family food, educational opportunities for children and household benefits such as composting, reduced food waste and pest control. Opponents cited the ongoing avian-influenza outbreak and biosecurity concerns.

Why it matters: the ordinance would change local rules on animals, affect animal-control workload, create permit and fee requirements and intersect with state-level “food freedom” and cottage-food policy. Council members said the ordinance needs more technical detail before final votes to balance public-health concerns, property rights and enforcement capacity.

Public comment highlights included:

- Amanda Margrave, Ward 4 resident: “I reviewed the language in the Proposed Change and I agree wholeheartedly with the language that is in the…