Four or ten.
That’s the maximum number of domestic animals or fowl that property owners in unincorporated Tooele County can keep on their property, according to Tooele County’s land use ordinances.
And the limit isn’t tied to the amount of property.
Whether you own one acre or 1,000 acres, the limit, under the code’s definition of “personal agriculture,” is four animals or 10 fowl, according to Lynn Butterfield, chairman of the Tooele County Planning Commission.
The planning commission met in a work session Wednesday night in the basement of the county building. The commission started a discussion on potential revisions to the county’s ordinance governing the number of allowable farm-type animals.
In work sessions, the planning commission members generally discuss issues and review research. Voting is not allowed in work sessions.
Voting takes place in business meetings, only after proper public notice, when revisions have been discussed, draft proposals have been revised, and public hearings have been held, according to Butterfield.
“The current county ordinance makes no sense at all,” he said. “We want to consider revisions to maintain our lifestyle and the character of our community.”
Residents of Erda, Lake Point and Pine Canyon apparently agree with Butterfield. Over 100 residents packed the planning commission’s meeting room, and most acknowledged they had more than the allowable four animals or 10 fowl.
Several rows of chairs were added to the room, yet some people were left standing. Sitting in the center of the front row was Ken Webb, who lives on East Bates Canyon Road in Erda. He was clutching a letter from the county.
Webb’s letter was the third he had received from the Tooele County planner. The planner also serves as the county’s code enforcement officer.
Each letter Webb received from the planner informed him that he had too many animals on his property and gave him a deadline to bring his propertyinto compliance.
The letters assert that Webb has 60 to 70 animals on his five-acre lot. Webb said he’s not denying that number.
Among Webb’s animals are dogs, cats, goats, miniature horses, miniature donkeys, pygmy goats and purebred Texas Longhorns.
The third letter, the one Webb was holding, said that he would be subject to legal action, criminal and/or civil, if he is not in compliance with the county ordinance by Nov. 30.
Steve Macurdy, Webb’s neighbor, said the county’s letter is ridiculous.
“Ken’s property is neat and clean. It’s beautiful.” Macurdy said. “The animals are well fed and cared for. I drive by the house all the time. There is no problem. My kids love seeing it.”
But one of Webb’s neighbors did complain to the county about the number of Webb’s animals.
The only reference to the number of animals in county code was the four or ten rule, so that’s what was enforced, according to Butterfield.
The planning commission discussed what should be included in a revised animal ordinance.
The size of the property, the size and type of animal, how the animals are fed, and whether the animals are free roaming or penned, were some of the items planning commission members suggested should be included in a draft revision.
Although the meeting was not a public hearing, the planning commission accepted comments from the public.
The audience at times didn’t wait to be asked for their thoughts.
“Why does the county have to tell us what we can do with our land,” shouted one person from the back of the room.
From another corner came, “Why have a limit? Let us keep as many animals as we can care for as long as PETA isn’t after us for abusing them.”
A loud round of applause followed that comment.
Later somebody exclaimed, “I’m tired of people trying to turn the county into a city.”
Butterfield agreed to ask the county attorney if legal action against Webb could be put on hold while the planning commission is considering revisions to the ordinance he has been cited for violating.
Webb has already paid a $150 fee to appeal his alleged violation.
Code enforcement does not come under the planning commission’s purview, Butterfield said.
The planning commission will meet again on Dec. 14 to further discuss changes to the number of animals landowners can keep on their property, including taking public comment, Butterfield said.
“Having no limits will be one of the options considered,” said planning commission member Gordon Beals.
Tooele County Recorder Jerry Houghton said he will look for a bigger room for the next meeting.