Chicken Laws by County in Utah
Thinking about raising chickens in Utah? You’re not alone. Whether it’s for fresh eggs, sustainability, or the joy of homesteading, more Utah residents are turning their backyards into mini farms. But here’s the catch: chicken laws vary dramatically by county, city, and zoning district.
This guide breaks down chicken laws by county in Utah—so you can raise a legal, healthy flock without the headaches of fines or forced removal.
Are Chickens Allowed in Utah?
Yes, chickens are allowed in many parts of Utah, but each city or county creates its own rules. From urban Salt Lake neighborhoods to rural Cache Valley, your right to keep chickens depends on:
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Zoning classification (residential, agricultural, rural residential, etc.)
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Lot size
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Whether your city or neighborhood has an HOA
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Rules about coop placement, flock size, and roosters
Let’s go county by county to break it all down.
Salt Lake County (Salt Lake City, Sandy, West Jordan)
Can you keep chickens in Salt Lake County?
Yes—in most areas, but with regulations.
Salt Lake City:
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Up to 15 chickens allowed depending on lot size.
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Roosters are prohibited.
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Permit required from the city.
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Coop must be clean, secure, and 25 feet from neighboring dwellings.
West Jordan:
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Allows up to 6 hens.
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No roosters.
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Requires approval from Animal Control.
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Coop must be in rear yard and meet setback rules.
Sandy:
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Chickens allowed in single-family residential zones.
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Must have at least 8,000 sq. ft. lot to keep chickens.
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Up to 6 hens allowed; no roosters.
Salt Lake County includes many cities, each with slightly different rules. Always check with your city hall or planning department before getting started.
Utah County (Provo, Orem, Lehi)
Can you raise chickens in Utah County?
Yes—most cities allow it with some restrictions.
Provo:
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Chickens allowed in most residential zones.
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Limit: 6 hens per property.
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Roosters not allowed.
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Must register with the city and comply with coop setback rules.
Orem:
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Up to 4 hens allowed on residential lots.
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Roosters are banned.
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Coops must be 20 feet from any dwelling and placed in the backyard.
Lehi:
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Allows chickens in most residential zones.
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Limit: 6 hens.
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No roosters.
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Permit required if more than 6 hens.
Rural areas of Utah County, particularly those zoned for agriculture, may allow larger flocks and roosters with fewer restrictions.
Davis County (Layton, Bountiful, Farmington)
Can you have chickens in Davis County?
Yes, with local zoning compliance.
Layton:
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Up to 6 hens allowed in residential zones.
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No roosters.
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Coops must be set back at least 20 feet from other residences.
Bountiful:
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Allows chickens in single-family residential zones.
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Max of 6 hens, no roosters.
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Coop must be in backyard and follow setback rules.
Farmington:
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Up to 10 hens allowed on lots over ½ acre.
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No roosters.
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Smaller lots limited to 4–6 hens.
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Coop must be kept clean and secure.
In unincorporated Davis County, chicken keeping is generally allowed with more freedom, especially in areas zoned agricultural or rural residential.
Weber County (Ogden, Roy)
Is backyard chicken keeping legal in Weber County?
Yes, but with varying rules by city.
Ogden:
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Permits up to 6 hens.
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Roosters are prohibited in city limits.
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Chickens must be confined to the backyard and kept in a coop.
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Cleanliness and odor control required.
Roy:
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Chickens allowed with special permit.
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Limit of 4 hens.
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Coop must be 20 feet from any residential structure.
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No roosters allowed.
Rural Weber County is generally chicken-friendly with minimal oversight, especially in agricultural zones.
Cache County (Logan, Smithfield)
Are chickens legal in Cache County?
Yes, and Cache County is one of Utah’s more chicken-friendly regions.
Logan:
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Up to 6 hens allowed.
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Roosters banned within city limits.
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Must register your flock with Animal Control.
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Coop must meet city sanitation and placement guidelines.
Smithfield:
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Up to 10 chickens allowed on most residential lots.
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Roosters allowed in some zones, but subject to noise complaints.
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Coops must be well-ventilated and predator-proof.
In rural parts of Cache County, there are usually no limits on flock size or roosters, provided your property is agriculturally zoned.
Washington County (St. George, Hurricane)
Chickens in Southern Utah? Absolutely.
St. George:
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Permits up to 6 hens in residential areas.
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No roosters.
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Coop must be set back from property lines and cleaned regularly.
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A permit is required.
Hurricane:
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Chickens allowed in many residential zones.
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Roosters permitted on larger lots.
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Flock size varies with lot size—more land means more chickens.
Washington County has a strong tradition of small-scale homesteading, and rural properties here typically enjoy relaxed chicken laws.
Tooele County
How chicken-friendly is Tooele County?
Very.
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Chickens are allowed in both incorporated and unincorporated areas.
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Most cities allow 4 to 6 hens; roosters may be allowed in some zones.
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Rural/agricultural areas permit larger flocks with minimal regulation.
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Coops must be secure and well-maintained.
If you’re planning a flock in Tooele, check your specific zoning to know your exact limits.
Common Utah Chicken Laws: A Quick Comparison
| County/City | Hens Allowed | Roosters | Permit Required | Minimum Lot Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Salt Lake City | Up to 15 | No | Yes | Varies by flock size |
| Provo | 6 | No | Yes | None specified |
| Ogden | 6 | No | No | None specified |
| St. George | 6 | No | Yes | None specified |
| Logan | 6 | No | Yes | None specified |
| Smithfield | 10 | Yes (some areas) | No | Varies |
| Farmington | 4–10 | No | No | ½ acre for 10 hens |
Coop Space and Placement Laws in Utah
Most cities in Utah require coops to be:
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At least 3–4 square feet per chicken inside
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8–10 square feet per chicken in the run
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10–25 feet from neighboring homes or property lines
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Made of durable, predator-resistant materials
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Cleaned regularly to prevent odors and pests
Want to know how big your coop should be for your flock? Use this chicken coop calculator to get exact measurements based on your chicken count and local laws.
It’s also the best tool if you’re planning to expand your flock or build a new setup. Don’t guess—calculate how much coop space your chicken needs.
How to Stay Compliant and Keep Your Chickens Safe
To legally raise chickens in Utah, follow these smart practices:
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Always check your local zoning laws before buying birds.
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Get neighbor approval if required—it can smooth out potential complaints.
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Avoid roosters unless you live in a rural/ag zone where they’re allowed.
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Keep your coop clean and your flock healthy—sanitation is a legal and ethical requirement.
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Use secure fencing to protect against predators and prevent chickens from escaping.
Conclusion: Raise Chickens Legally and Confidently in Utah
Utah is one of the best states for backyard chicken keepers—but local laws are what really matter. From Salt Lake to St. George, every city and county brings its own set of rules. Before setting up your flock, take time to understand the guidelines in your area.
And when it comes to building your coop, make planning easier with our sister tool: Calculate how much coop space your chicken needs—it’s the smartest way to stay compliant and keep your chickens comfortable.
Plan smart, follow the law, and enjoy the benefits of backyard chicken keeping in Utah.