If you’re thinking about keeping chickens in Utah, you need to check the local city rules first. There’s no statewide chicken law—cities and towns set their own rules. These rules cover how many hens you can have, whether roosters are allowed, coop requirements, setbacks, permits, and more. Below are key guidelines for major Utah cities.
Salt Lake City (Salt Lake County)
Residential lots may keep up to 15 hens, but no roosters are allowed. A permit is required from the County’s Animal Services department, with a fee around $75 per year. Coops must be covered, ventilated, predator‐proof, and provide at least 2 sq ft per bird—or 6 sq ft if hens don’t have outside enclosure. The coop must sit in the rear yard, at least 25 ft from an adjacent dwelling. Feed must be stored in rodent‐proof containers and the coop must stay clean and odor‐free. Chickens cannot leave the enclosure. A zoning site plan is required, and violation can result in permit revocation. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
South Salt Lake City
On lots of at least 6,000 sq ft, up to four hens are allowed; larger lots can allow up to six hens. Roosters are banned. Required setbacks: chickens must stay in a henhouse and run that are at least 5 ft from property lines, 25 ft from the owner’s dwelling, and 50 ft from adjacent structures. Feed and manure must be handled carefully. A permit is required and costs around $75 with a $30 renewal fee annually, plus an inspection and site plan. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
Ogden (Weber County)
Ogden allows up to six hens on owner‐occupied single-family lots with at least 2,000 sq ft of open area. A land use permit is required, along with annual licensing at $5 per chicken. Coops and runs must be enclosed and kept at least 25 ft from neighboring homes and 5 ft from property lines. Feed must be stored securely, and manure managed to avoid odor. No egg sales or breeding allowed. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
Provo (Utah County)
Provo allows hens depending on lot size: larger lots may keep up to six hens. Often a permit is required. Coops must be secure, predator‐proof, and at least 10 ft from property lines. No roosters allowed. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
West Jordan (Salt Lake County)
On most residential lots, up to five hens and five chicks can be kept. Roosters are banned. Coops must be enclosed and predator‐proof, with at least 10 ft setback from property lines at night. A permit may be required. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
Orem (Utah County)
Allows up to 12 hens depending on lot size, but roosters are not allowed. A permit is usually required, along with coop setback rules—typically at least 10 ft from property lines and neighbor homes. Coops must be secure and well maintained. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
Midvale (Salt Lake County)
Residents on lots under 5,000 sq ft are not permitted to keep hens. Lots between 5,000 – 7,999 sq ft may keep up to four hens; lots of 8,000 sq ft or larger can keep up to six hens. Roosters are banned. Chickens must be kept in a coop or enclosure at all times—they may not roam free. Feed must be stored in predator‐proof containers. Setbacks: at least 40 ft from any dwelling and 25 ft from neighboring dwellings. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
Additional Cities (summary)
Other Utah cities with known guidelines include:
- Layton: Minimum lot size 8,000 sq ft; chick count depends on lot size; no roosters; permit required.
- Sandy: Up to 10 hens; no roosters; permit required.
- South Jordan: Up to six hens; no roosters; permit may be required.
- St. George: Flock size varies by zoning; no roosters; permit may be required.
- West Valley City: Up to four hens; no roosters; permit may be required.
Rules often depend on lot size and zoning type; most cities prohibit egg sales and require coops to be clean, ventilated, and secure. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
General Trends in Utah Chicken Laws
- Roosters are almost always banned
- Hen limits depend on lot size—typically 4–15 hens
- Permits or licenses are required in almost all cities listed
- Coops must be secure, predator-resistant, ventilated, and sanitary
- Chicken feed must be stored rodent- and predator-proof
- Setbacks vary—common distances include 25–50 ft from neighboring dwellings
- Chickens must remain within enclosures; no free roaming
- Egg sales and breeding are usually prohibited for backyard flocks
- Site plans and inspections are commonly part of the permit process
Checklist Before Getting Chickens in Utah
- Find out if you’re inside a city or in unincorporated county land
- Contact your city or municipal animal services/zoning office for chicken rules
- Ask how many hens you may keep and whether roosters are banned
- Find out if a permit or license is needed, including any application fees or inspection rules
- Check setback rules for coop and run from property lines and neighbor dwellings
- Plan coop size based on required square feet per bird
- Ensure coop is predator‐proof, ventilated, easy to clean, and odor‐free
- Store feed securely and manage manure cleanly
- Verify if egg sales or breeding are prohibited
- Ensure the coop and run are always secure and chickens do not roam
Why These Rules Matter
Local rules help protect public health, reduce nuisance, and ensure humane care. Proper setbacks keep chickens away from neighboring homes. Predator-proof, clean coops help prevent pests and odors. Permit oversight ensures houses follow rules, and bans on roosters reduce noise. By following local guidelines, you can keep chickens in Utah responsibly and legally.
Conclusion
Backyard chicken keeping in Utah is possible—but only if your city allows it. Places like Salt Lake City, South Salt Lake, Ogden, Provo, West Jordan, Orem, and Midvale have clear rules and limits. Rules usually include hen limits, coop standards, setbacks, and permit requirements. Before buying chicks, contact your local city office, design a proper coop, follow all rules, and respect your neighbors—then you can enjoy fresh eggs the legal way!
Best wishes for your Utah backyard flock!