Salt Lake City Quick Summary
Limit: Up to 6 hens · Roosters: Prohibited · Permit: Not required · Setback: 15 ft from any structure · Code: Salt Lake City Code § 8.08.020
Salt Lake City's No-Permit Chicken Rules
Salt Lake City is one of the larger U.S. cities that allows residential chickens with no permit required. City Code § 8.08.020 permits up to 6 hens in residential zones, hens only, with a 15-foot setback from any structure. The no-permit model reflects the city's relatively informal approach to enforcement and the strong self-reliance culture of the region.
Salt Lake City's chicken-keeping culture is well-established — the area has a long tradition of home food production tied to the region's heritage. The city's urban agriculture scene is active, and the Salt Lake County Extension office (USU Extension) is an excellent resource for new chicken-keepers.
Key Rules at a Glance
- Up to 6 hens in residential zones
- Roosters are prohibited
- No permit required
- Coop must be at least 15 feet from any structure
- Rear yard preferred (code does not explicitly restrict to rear yard in all zones)
- Feed in sealed, rodent-proof containers
- Coop maintained free of odors detectable at property line
| Rule | Detail | Notes | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flock limit | 6 hens | Hens only | SLC Code § 8.08.020 |
| Roosters | Prohibited | Noise basis | SLC Code § 8.08.020 |
| Permit | Not required | Self-compliance model | SLC Code § 8.08.020 |
| Setback | 15 ft from any structure | Includes neighboring structures | SLC Code § 8.08.020 |
| Location | Rear yard preferred | Not strictly limited in all zones | SLC Code § 8.08.020 |
How Salt Lake City Compares to Nearby Cities
| City | Limit | Permit | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Salt Lake City | 6 hens | None | 15 ft from structure |
| Provo | 4 hens | No permit | 20 ft from property line |
| Ogden | 6 hens | No permit | 15 ft setback |
| West Valley City | 4 hens | Permit required | 25 ft setback |
| Sandy | 4 hens | No permit | 20 ft setback |
| Murray | 4 hens | Permit required | 15 ft setback |
Frequently Asked Questions
Salt Lake City's code is more restrictive for goats than for chickens. Standard residential zones (R-1, R-2) generally do not permit goats. Some larger-lot residential and transitional zones may permit miniature breeds. Contact Salt Lake City's Planning Division at (801) 535-7700 for current provisions specific to your zone. Salt Lake County (unincorporated) is generally more permissive for miniature livestock.
Salt Lake City permits beekeeping with a 10-hive limit in residential zones and a setback requirement from property lines. Utah State requires registration of all bee colonies with the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food (UDAF). Registration is free for hobby beekeepers. Contact UDAF's Plant Industry Division at (801) 538-7180 for current registration requirements.
No — the city code's chicken provisions require a residential property with outdoor space for an enclosure. Apartment and condo dwellers don't have access to a private lot, and building rules would prohibit it regardless. Salt Lake City's single-family residential stock is extensive and relatively affordable compared to coastal cities, making owner-occupied chicken-keeping accessible to many residents.
Related Guides
GuidePermit GuideWhen permits are and aren't required.ToolCoop Size CalculatorHow much space do 6 hens need?National GuideChicken Ordinances NationallyHow Salt Lake City compares.
Disclaimer: Ordinances change. Always verify current rules with Salt Lake City's Planning or Zoning department before acquiring any animals.