Salt Lake City permits miniature goats in some residential zones — reflecting Utah's strong agricultural heritage. Here's what the code allows, which breeds qualify, and the setback requirements.
Quick Summary
Standard goats: Require larger lot or agricultural zoning · Miniature goats: Permitted in some residential zones · Bucks: Prohibited in residential zones · Permit: Required from SLC Planning · Setback: 40 ft from adjacent dwelling · Code: Salt Lake City Code § 8.08.030
Salt Lake City's Goat Framework
Salt Lake City Code § 8.08.030 permits miniature goats as a conditional accessory use in residential zones with a permit from Salt Lake City Planning. The 40-foot setback from adjacent dwellings is challenging on some SLC lots but more manageable than Portland's 50-foot standard. Salt Lake City's strong LDS heritage and self-reliance culture has historically produced more permissive urban agriculture provisions than comparable-size cities.
"Miniature goat" is defined in SLC's code as goats not exceeding 75 pounds at full maturity — Nigerian Dwarfs and Pygmies qualify. Bucks are prohibited; does and wethers are permitted. Maximum 2 miniature goats in standard residential zones.
Utah State Health Department — Raw Milk Sales
Utah is one of the more permissive states for raw milk — licensed cow dairies can sell directly to consumers. However, goat raw milk sales require a Grade A dairy license from the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food. Backyard goat milk for personal household consumption is unrestricted. Selling raw goat milk, cheese, or other products triggers state licensing requirements separate from the city's keeping ordinance.
Salt Lake City vs. Salt Lake County
City
Limit
Permit
Setback
Salt Lake City
2 miniature goats
Permit required
40 ft from adjacent dwelling
West Valley City
Miniature only
Permit required
40 ft setback
Sandy
Miniature, permit required
Permit required
40 ft setback
Millcreek
More permissive
Varies
County provisions
Unincorporated SL County
More permissive
No permit for small flocks
County ag rules
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Frequently Asked Questions
No — Salt Lake City's no-permit model applies to chickens only (up to 6 hens). Goats require a separate permit regardless of how many chickens you already have. The goat permit process goes through SLC Planning Division at 451 S. State St, not through the animal licensing system used for chickens.
Larger-lot neighborhoods in the Avenues, Sugar House (outer portions), Rose Park, and West Side neighborhoods with 8,000+ square foot lots give you the best chance of meeting the 40-foot setback. The 9th & 9th area, Central 9th, and Granary District have smaller urban lots where meeting a 40-foot setback in all directions is often not feasible.
Yes — SLC's goat provisions require a secure perimeter fence sufficient to contain the animals. Minimum 4 feet high for miniature breeds, with no gaps exceeding 4 inches. Goats are escape artists — SLC code enforcement responds to livestock-at-large complaints, and escaped goats in neighbors' gardens create both civil liability and code enforcement issues. Use welded wire or stock panels, not chicken wire.