Chicken ordinance for Rock Springs proves to be ‘more complicated’ than expected

ROCK SPRINGS — A need for further data and mixed feedback called for a hold on the first reading of an ordinance pertaining to chickens in city limits.

The two-sided issue brought residents to the Rock Springs City Council meeting on Tuesday, March 4, to speak in favor of raising chickens on their property while some voiced opposition.

Opinions about chickens

Local resident Amanda Margrave lives in Ward 4. She advocates for the proposed amendments in the ordinance. She created a social media survey for community members on the Sweetwater Rants and Raves Facebook page.

According to Margrave, she received 300 responses, with 77% of participants saying they are in favor of the proposed ordinance changes, while 23% were opposed to the ordinance change.

Concerns such as odor, noise, unsightly conditions and animal abuse raised in the survey are addressed in the language of the proposed ordinance.

“Backyard chickens have been a success in many municipalities,” Margrave said. “I believe that the ordinance change in our city would be a success, also.”

Margrave told the Rocket Miner she doesn’t believe people will give their neighbors permission to have chickens if they don’t maintain their yards.

“Having a chicken is a commitment,” she said, noting cats and dogs are abused more than chickens. “If the owner wants the chicken to perform well, it will not be abused, and the owner will care for the environment it’s in.”

Local animal advocate Madhu Anderson spoke against the proposed ordinance changes due to avian flu risks.

“The health and safety of the community must come first,” Anderson said. “A woman in Wyoming was recently hospitalized after handling infected backyard chickens, making her the fourth person in North America to be hospitalized with avian flu.”

Rock Springs resident Ronda Zancanella is the public health response coordinator for Sweetwater County Public Health. She countered what Anderson said by clarifying that chicken coops and runs would be enclosed and wild birds transmit the avian flu.

“The risk would be very low,” Zancanella said.

Sweetwater County resident Matt Durrant communicated with other cities in the state to see how many complaints were received about chickens.

He said Laramie and Lander got four calls in the last year. Green River had 11 calls, but no citations were written because they were handled in a timely manner. Casper had 22 chicken-related calls, which he described as “a small amount” since law enforcement was able to get the problems resolved.

“This shouldn’t impair with ongoing efforts here,” Durrant said.

Retired educator Chuck Tate, who has been living in Rock Springs for 62 years, is against the proposed ordinance. He told the Rocket Miner the ordinance was defeated several times, and he “can’t believe it’s back.”

“It’s going to cause a big mess and have an impact on people’s health,” Tate said. “Why should we allow them in city limits? It’s ridiculous.”

Mackenzie Bertagnolli pointed out that the avian flu hasn’t been discovered in Sweetwater County yet. She also said notifying neighbors that chickens will be on the property is “the neighborly thing to do,” but she doesn’t believe the neighbor’s permission to have chickens is necessary.

Local resident DeShawn Bella said it’s important to teach children to hunt and garden and raise animals.

Rock Springs resident Shane McCormick said he’s “prochicken,” noting neighbors shouldn’t have a say in whether chickens should be allowed next door. He also pointed out that chickens won’t be any louder than a barking dog.

“When chickens roost, they aren’t noisy at night so they’re typically up during normal curfew hours, so to speak,” he said. “They don’t ask us if they could have four dogs that bark all night.”

Local resident Juan Valdez said one chicken can save 80 pounds per year of scraps, which benefits landfills.

The last speaker on the matter was Amanda Bruder. She said people are more at risk for rabies than avian flu.

Upcoming amendments

Councilman Rob Zotti said having a chicken is a “hefty investment,” and those who are serious about it will do anything to protect that investment. He said cleaning the coops regularly and not allowing chickens to run around will help.

“If this passes, I would imagine we would see a potential of a few people than normal give it a shot and realize it’s not for them and move away from it,” Zotti said.

Zotti said while he isn’t “prochicken,” he is “pro-property rights,” and does not agree with the part of the ordinance that requires the resident to ask their neighbors permission to have chickens on their property.

“I believe this was put in as an effort to appease those who are against chickens,” Zotti explained. “I would be in favor of taking that out.”

With his background in law enforcement, Councilman David Thompson asked about permit fees and whether the chicken coop would be considered a permanent structure. He questioned whether a vendor’s permit is required for those who want to sell eggs or if this would be for their own personal consumption. He noted it’s important for the council to receive as much information as they can to make an informed decision.

City Attorney Rick Beckwith verified that a chicken coop would be considered a permanent structure, and a site plan must be submitted to the planning and zoning department.

Councilman Randy Hanson questioned whether the planning and zoning department or Rock Springs Animal Control would have to inspect the chicken coop. Director of Engineering and Operations Paul Kauchich said depending on the size of the structure, it might not require inspection.

Beckwith also pointed out a home occupation license would be required if one sells eggs from their own home.

Councilman Eric Bingham asked if the chicken coop is required to stay in the backyard or if it can also be located in the front yard. Kauchich said they would regulate accordingly.

Noting that chickens are “more complicated” than one expects on the surface, Mayor Max Mickelson called on a committee with council members who are for and against chickens in city limits.

“We will work on some language in the ordinance that can clarify some things and with any luck we’ll have those amendments ready for the next council meeting,” Mickelson said.

This story was published on March 8, 2025.