But instead of allowing up to six hens on residential properties less than one acre, the City Council added a provision to the amendment that permits a graduated number of birds based on the lot size.

Lots 5,000 to 6,000 square feet in size can have two chickens; up to 7,000 feet, three chickens; up 8,000 feet, four chickens; 9,000 feet, up to five; and 10,000 feet, up to six hens. Residences up to 30,000 square feet can have 12 chickens.

After a lenghthy public hearing in which the vast majority of residents spoke in favor of the ordinance change, council members agreed in principle with permitting chickens for residents who use their eggs to feed their families, help control insects and serve as pets.

But to avoid potential abuses, members of the council felt that a graduated number of hens allowed based on square footage should be added to the draft language, similar to measures in a similar law passed in Provo a little less than a year ago.

“Graduation based on lot size is a good idea,” said Councilman Carl Hernandez, who voted in favor of the change.

Under the new Orem amendment, roosters are forbidden, and chickens must be kept in a predator-proof coop or mobile chicken tractor that is regularly cleaned. The fowl are not permitted to roam free on the owner’s property except in an enclosed rear yard. Slaughtering of birds is prohibited.

Dozens of residents came out to support the law change, many of whom said they already owned chickens and wanted to be in compliance with the law. Several cited the fact that the birds aren’t loud, don’t create any foul odors, and don’t bother neighbors.

“I’d rather step in chicken poop than dog poop,” one resident said.

Meredith Seaver, a member of the Orem Planning Commission, said with the weak economy many people are turning to self-reliance fallbacks such as vegetable gardens and raising chickens for eggs to feed their families.

In response to one resident who was concerned about noise, health issues and other potential problems, Seaver said neighbors would not be disturbed by the cackling birds.

“The disadvantages are only disadvantages for people who choose to own chickens,” she said.

Stanford Sainsbury, Orem’s Development Services Director, in speaking with Provo officials, said the only animal control issue Provo had experienced was an occasional loose chicken.

Councilman Brent Sumner, who cast the lone dissenting vote, had said he was not worried about chicken owners, but for problems they might cause to neighbors. He randomly polled about 12 neighbors, most of whom didn’t care whether Orem legalized chickens in residential areas.

“But when I asked ‘Would you want them next to you?’, they really had to think about it,” Sumner said.