RS City Council votes 5-4 to allow chickens in city limits

ROCK SPRINGS (WNE) — The Rock Springs City Council voted 5-4 Tuesday, April 15, to allow residents to have chickens within city limits.

Prior to the vote, Mayor Max 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.”

Councilman Dan Pedri, who voted against the motion, said he heard from more people against having chickens than he did for it, while councilman Larry Hickerson said he heard from many people for the change.

Another councilman, Rick 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.

A $25 non-refundable permit must be obtained prior to having chickens.

The amendment also requires that residents wishing to own chickens must have signed written consent from adjacent property owners. No roosters are allowed, and slaughtering of chickens within city limits is not allowed.

Chickens must be kept in a covered or fenced predator-proof enclosure which cannot be located closer than 3 feet from any adjacent property line or 25 feet from any adjacent property structure.

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.

This story was published on April 19, 2025.