Yes, backyard chickens are legal in Utah, but local ordinances and state health codes impose strict controls. The Utah Department of Agriculture and Food (UDAF) regulates poultry health, while municipalities like Salt Lake City and Provo set flock size limits and coop requirements. Compliance with 2026 updates to Utah’s Poultry Health Code is mandatory to prevent disease outbreaks.
Key Regulations for Keeping Backyard Chickens in Utah
- Flock Size Limits: Most Utah cities cap backyard flocks at 6–12 hens, excluding roosters, which are banned in residential zones. Salt Lake City’s 2025 ordinance permits up to 10 hens per lot, while Ogden restricts flocks to 6 birds.
- Coop and Setback Requirements: Coops must be predator-proof, elevated 18 inches off the ground, and located at least 20–50 feet from neighboring residences, depending on local zoning. Weber County’s 2024 amendment mandates 30-foot setbacks for structures under 150 sq. ft.
- Disease Prevention Protocols: UDAF’s 2026 Poultry Health Code requires annual veterinary inspections, mandatory reporting of sick birds, and participation in the National Poultry Improvement Plan (NPIP) for flocks exceeding 50 birds. Biosecurity plans must include footbaths and separate footwear for coop access.