Salt Lake City, UT Chicken Laws: Hens, Roosters, Permits and Coop Rules

Coop Ready Utah Salt Lake City

Allowed with a permit

Yes, with a permit. Salt Lake City allows backyard hens, but you need a permit first.

Allowed in residential districts. The coop needs 2 sq ft per bird, or 6 sq ft if the birds have no outdoor run.

Hen limit

15

Roosters

Banned

Permit

Yes: a yearly animal services permit (the city page says $75)

Coop placement

Rear yard, at least 25 ft from any home on an adjacent lot

Checked against city code We read the official code section linked below for every fact on this page.

Read the official Salt Lake City rules ↗ Checked October 2026.

Will your coop fit in Salt Lake City?

Draw your lot, your house and your neighbor's house on a satellite map, drop in a coop, and Coop Ready measures the distances and compares them with the Salt Lake City rules above. Free, no account.

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Backyard chicken questions in Salt Lake City

How many chickens can I have in Salt Lake City?

Up to 15 hens on a typical home lot.

Are roosters allowed in Salt Lake City?

No. Salt Lake City bans roosters on typical home lots.

Do I need a permit for backyard chickens in Salt Lake City?

Yes. You need a yearly animal services permit (the city page says $75).

How far does a chicken coop have to be from my neighbor in Salt Lake City?

Where the coop can go in Salt Lake City: rear yard, at least 25 ft from any home on an adjacent lot.

Can my HOA ban chickens if Salt Lake City allows them?

Yes. HOA rules, deed restrictions and leases can be stricter than city code. Read yours before you build.

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Coop Ready is a planning aid, not legal advice. City codes change, and zoning, HOA rules and your exact parcel can change what is allowed. Confirm with Salt Lake City before you build.