APPLE VALLEY, Utah (KUTV) — A proposed ordinance in Apple Valley is sparking debate amongst residents as the town considers legalizing pig ownership while implementing strict rules.
Although pig ownership is currently not allowed in Apple Valley, many residents keep pigs on their agricultural properties. The new ordinance aims to provide structure and balance.
If passed, the ordinance would permit one pig per acre on agricultural lots, with a maximum of 15 pigs. Residents with a conditional use permit could own up to 40 pigs.
Supporters, including residents Annie and Jeff Spendlove, said the ordinance would allow families to farm responsibly while limiting large-scale commercial pig operations.
Opponents, however, argue that even 40 pigs could lead to odors, noise and public health concerns in the rural town.
“I don’t want people to have to go to the government to get permission to have to grow food for their families,” Annie Spendlove said. “I want homestead pigs. That’s what I’m pushing for.”
The Spendloves, experienced pig owners, said small-scale pig farming can be sustainable and odor-free.
“There is a lot of misconception that pigs have to stink. The big commercial operations — yeah, they stink. But the small family that has one or two pigs, or even 20 or 30 pigs, doesn’t stink,” Jeff Spendlove said.
The ordinance is part of Mayor Mike Farrar’s vision for managing growth in Apple Valley while preserving its rural character.
“The goal of this was looking more at homesteading. We have a lot of that — people who want to be self-sufficient with food,” Farrar said. “We are trying to stop the commercial pig farms — we don’t want someone coming here with a thousand pigs.”
Farrar emphasized the importance of balancing homesteading with future growth.
MORE on APPLE VALLEY:
“Most residents here want to be rural,” he said. “They want their space, they don’t want to be told what to do.”
The proposed ordinance has mixed reactions – some say that implementing a 40-pig limit is too much oversight from the local government. Others say 40 pigs are far too many and could impact the community.
“They smell,” said Garth Hood, a resident who is dubious of the ordinance. “I mean, there’s an issue with pigs and there’s a reason why towns don’t necessarily want pigs around.”
Hood also raised concerns about the number of pigs allowed.
“I do get concerned when we talk about number of pigs and relaxing the regulations on it, not knowing for sure what we’re getting into. But I’d rather err on the side of caution and take a pretty conservative approach and then relax them if we’re able to later,” Hood said.
Farrar acknowledged the tension between the opposing sides.
“Some of the people aren’t happy and they just don’t want to be told what to do. But that’s my job: to take both sides and try to come somewhere in the middle that keeps as many people happy as we can,” Farrar said.
The mayor said this debate is about more that pigs — it’s about preparing for inevitable growth in Apple Valley while preserving the rural lifestyle many people move there for.
“I know some people say that the county doesn’t allow pigs, Hurricane doesn’t allow pigs, St. George doesn’t allow pigs. But we’re not them and we’re looking for our own identity here in Apple Valley,” Farrar said. “We value agriculture.”
The public hearing for the ordinance is on Jan. 8. From there, the town’s planning commission will make a recommendation followed by a vote by the Town Council on Jan. 15.
___
