Grantsville OKs conditional-use permit for 24 chickens at single-family property after fencing and enforcement conditions

The Grantsville Planning and Zoning Commission on Jan. 6 approved a conditional-use permit allowing Kelly Price to keep up to 24 chickens at her residence at 594 Burke (Court Street) in the R-121 zone.

Staff said the lot is large enough and that six hens are allowed by right; additional birds require commission approval. Commissioners and a nearby resident asked how the chickens would be contained, whether roosters would be permitted and how enforcement would work if birds entered neighboring properties.

A commissioner who inspected the property said she saw partial fencing and a coop in the back; Kelly Price and staff confirmed there is an enclosed run with fencing though not covering the full area and that no rooster is proposed. Staff stated, "It is not city ordinance" that chickens must be enclosed at all times, but said the permit requires the property be maintained "in a clean and sanitary condition to prevent odor, pests, or nuisance impacts," and that complaints can prompt the city to revisit the permit conditions.

Commissioners discussed possible enforcement mechanisms and whether the applicant plans to expand fencing; the applicant said she has posts and plans to complete fencing, and that because she does not have a rooster any chicks would be purchased rather than hatched on site.

A motion to approve the conditional-use permit subject to conditions in the staff report carried on a voice vote after the remote alternate confirmed assent.

The commission closed the public hearing on the item after voting.