Backyard Chickens
Residential chickens benefit our community in a variety of ways. Eggs from well maintained backyard chickens contain significantly more Vitamins A and E, beta carotene and omega-3 fatty acids compared to factory farmed eggs. Additionally, chickens can serve as natural pest control by eating insects and their droppings are a nitrogen-rich addition to your soil or compost. Most importantly, they can provide a level of self-sufficiency and resilience to your food access when things are uncertain.
Chickens are permitted in residential zones, as long as the following conditions are met:
- Permit must be obtained from Salt Lake County Animal Services, $75 (regardless of the number of birds).
- Maximum of 15 Chickens and no roosters
- Chickens must be kept in secure, enclosed area
- Coop must have minimum of two (2) square feet per Chicken; six (6) square feet per Chicken if not allowed out of coop
- Chickens must be kept in rear yard at least twenty-five (25) feet from dwelling on adjacent lot
- Coops must be neat and sanitary
- Chicken feed must be stored in rodent and predator resistant containers
Other Livestock
Other livestock such as goats, cows or sheep are permitted in agriculturally zoned districts but require a permit ($40 per year).
Apply for a Permit
All backyard permits are managed by Salt Lake County and Animal Services, email [email protected] to obtain a permit.
Related
Contact
Food Systems Outreach Coordinator
- Leesie Clegg
- 385-707-7582
- [email protected]
- Salt Lake City and County Bldg., 451 S, State Street, Suite 418
- M-F 9:00 am – 5:00 pm