Chickens and Fowl Requirements
Posted By SLCo Animal Services
April 12, 2020
So you want to add fowl to your backyard? Chickens and ducks can be a great addition to your home: providing eggs as well as a lot of entertainment and companionship. But there are a few things you should know before getting chicks!
All homes with chickens within Salt Lake County Animal Services’ jurisdiction need to have an annual permit, pay the permit fee of $75 and have a coop inspection. While the shelter’s services are currently limited, we can still provide chicken permits.
To acquire a chicken permit please email animal@slco.org. We will send you a copy of the permit requirements and an application. You can send back the completed application via email or mail and we will reach out to you to collect payment. Inspections will be scheduled later.
Residents of Salt Lake County Metro Townships and Unincorporated County:
Coops must be 25 feet from the entrance to your home, 40 feet from any neighboring buildings and no more than 8 feet tall. Chickens must have a predator proof, well-ventilated and well-maintained coop with 2 square feet per bird. Birds may free range in an enclosed yard during the day. Depending on your zone, you may have 3-8 adult hens or ducks. *Roosters, crowing hens, peafowl, geese, or turkeys are NOT PERMITTED in any residential zone.
Residents within Salt Lake City limits:
The regulations are slightly different from the county and allow for different options in coop setup and number of fowl. *Roosters are only permitted under the “50-foot rule” designation, and only if they do not become a nuisance.
*It is important to consider rooster allowances when choosing your chicks. There are breeds of chickens that have different coloring for males and females, making it easy to ensure you are only getting hens.
For a full list of regulations please email animal@slco.org or visit our website:
Salt Lake County regulations
Or
Salt Lake City regulations
To see what residential zone you live in (for Salt Lake County regulations), look here.
*Edited 2/2023 to reflect current fee schedule.