Regulations regarding backyard chickens vary greatly across different cities in the state of Utah. Therefore, if you are considering raising backyard chickens in Utah, it is crucial to familiarize yourself with your local laws and regulations governing this practice.
While there are cities within the Beehive State that allow residents to keep chickens on their property, it is advisable to consult the specific ordinances of each municipality before proceeding. Meanwhile, below are a few municipalities that allow the keeping of backyard chickens in Utah.
Salt Lake City, UT
In Salt Lake City, Utah, hens (female chickens) are permitted, but roosters (male chickens) are not. Salt Lake City residents are allowed to keep up to 15 female chickens on a lot or parcel of land in a residential district for the sole purpose of egg production. Chickens are required by ordinance to be kept in a well-ventilated, predator-resistant coop connected to a secure outdoor enclosed area.
The coop must provide at least 2 square feet of space per chicken and be located in the rear yard at least 25 feet from any dwelling located on an adjacent lot. Chickens may be allowed to roam freely inside the enclosed area. Furthermore, chicken coops, runways and surroundings must be kept and maintained in a clean and sanitary condition at all times.
West Valley City, UT
In West Valley City, UT, chickens are considered household pets. According to the City's Code of Ordinances, no more than four household animals are allowed per residence. Household animals include cats, dogs, ferrets, female chickens, ducks, pot-bellied pigs, and rabbits. For instance, if you are a cat person and wish to keep chickens in West Valley City, you may either have 2 cats and 2 chickens or a combination of all your household pets, including a hen, not exceeding four.
West Jordan, UT
West Jordan residents are required to apply for and obtain a Fowl Keeping Permit before keeping any chickens. Per the city's Code, chickens must be kept strictly for the production and consumption of eggs only. Up to 5 egg-laying hens and 5 chicks are permitted to be kept on a residential lot containing a single-family detached dwelling unit, duplex or twin home.
The keeping of roosters or crowing hens is prohibited within the city limits of West Jordan. Chicken coops, pens, and other enclosures may be located in the side or rear yard and at least 20 feet from the nearest residence.
Provo, UT
The keeping of backyard chickens is legal with a license in the City of Provo. According to Provo City Code Chapter 8.02.190, licensed chickens may be kept on a residential lot for the sole purpose of producing eggs. Roosters are prohibited in the city and the number of hens one can keep is limited based on the size of the lot or parcel.
Up to 2 hens may be kept on lots of 6,000 square feet, 3 hens on lots of 7,000 square feet, 4 hens on lots of 8,000 square feet, 5 hens on lots of 9,000 square feet, and 6 hens on lots of 10,000 square feet. Chickens are required to be confined within a secure outdoor enclosed area, which must include a well-ventilated, predator-resistant chicken coop.
The coop must be located in the rear yard and at least 15 feet from any property line and be maintained in a neat and sanitary condition.
St. George, UT
In the City of St. George, the keeping of chickens (hens only) is permitted on lots of 10,000 square feet or larger. A maximum of 6 female chickens (hens) may be kept on properties of 10,000 square feet of lot area, with 1 additional hen for each additional 1,000 square feet of lot area, to a maximum of 16 chickens. Chicken coops, pens, or cages are required by city ordinance to be located in the rear yard and not less than 20 feet from any property line. In addition, all chicken enclosures are required to be kept clean and free from objectionable odor and waste.
Orem, UT
The City of Orem allows residents to keep a limited number of female chickens in their backyards for personal use. If you reside in Orem, UT, the number of backyard hens you can own depends on your property size. Chickens are generally allowed in residential zones on single-family lots less than 1 acre provided the following lot size requirements are met:
- 5000 square feet: 2 Chickens
- 7000 square feet: 3 Chickens
- 8000 square feet: 4 Chickens
- 9000 square feet: 5 Chickens
- 10,000 square feet: 6 Chickens
- 20,000 square feet: 10 Chickens
- 30,000 square feet: 12 Chickens
Chickens are required to be kept in a predator-proof coop or chicken tractor, which must be set back at least 10 feet from all property lines.
Ogden, UT
The City of Ogden adopted an ordinance in 2017, allowing a maximum of 6 chickens in the backyards of single-family, owner-occupied homes, with a minimum of 2,000 square feet of open area. However, the ordinance requires that residents obtain a $5 annual license per chicken in addition to a land use permit for the construction of the chicken coop/run.
Under the ordinance, Ogden chicken owners are required to keep their chicken coops at least 5 feet from property lines, and 25 feet from homes on adjacent property, and maintain them in a clean and sanitary condition.
Other Utah Municipalities That Allow Backyard Chickens
- Sandy, UT: Allows up to 10 backyard chickens
- Lehi, UT: Up to 8 chickens
- South Jordan, UT: A $76 permit is required to keep 6 chickens
- Layton, UT: Chickens must be kept inside a coop at all times
- Millcreek, UT: Allows up to 8 hens and 8 chicks
- Herriman, UT: Up to 10 chickens per 0.23 acre of land
- Taylorsville, UT: 4 Animals, including chickens, per residence
- Draper, UT: Allows up to a maximum of 25 chickens
- Murray, UT: Allows from 4 to 8 hens depending on lot size
- Saratoga Springs, UT: Allows up to 10 hens per lot
- Riverton, UT: Permits a maximum of 6 backyard chickens
- Bountiful, UT: A license is required to keep up to 8 hens
- Spanish Fork, UT: Allows no more than 6 hens per lot with a permit
- Roy, UT: A permit is required to keep chickens
- Cedar City, UT: A maximum of 6 hens are allowed per lot
- Pleasant Grove, UT: A maximum of 25 Chickens per acre
- American Fork, UT: A $15 permit is required to keep chickens
- Kearns, UT: A permit is required to keep up to 8 chickens
- Springville, UT: No more than 6 hens per residence
- Midvale, UT: A permit is required to keep up to 8 hens
- Syracuse, UT: Allows no more than 6 hens per residence
- Clearfield, UT: A license is required to keep 6 hens
- Kaysville, UT: A conditional use permit is required to keep chickens
- Washington, UT: Up to 12 chickens per lot
- Holladay, UT: Up to 25 chickens per 1/2 acre
- Magna, UT: Up to 10 chickens per lot
- Farmington, UT: 8 chickens may be kept on any lot
