The new ordinance allows up to six chickens in the backyards of single-family, owner-occupied homes, with a minimum of 2,000 square feet of open area.
Residents may have up to five egg laying hens and up to five chicks. Roosters and crowing hens are not allowed. All enclosures, pens, and coops must be in the rear yard of the main home or an interior side yard. All enclosures must be located at least 20-feet from the nearest primary structure.
Chickens are, for the most part, low maintenance, but they do require a little know-how. Every city and town in Utah has its own laws and ordinances regarding the ownership of chickens. For instance, within the limits of Salt Lake City, chickens are permitted, but roosters are not.
Regulations: Applicant must be eighteen (18) years or older. Dogs and cats must be licensed once they reach four (4) months of age and within the following thirty (30) days. Limit of 3 cats or dogs in any combination per residence; a special permit may be obtained for a fourth household pet.
In addition to the six common household pets, there shall be no more than ten chickens, kept on a non-nuisance basis. b.
A resident is limited to owning no more than 15 chickens and the coop must be built at least 25 feet from any dwelling located on an adjacent lot. Some cities and municipalities do not permit chickens, and the fines for owning them illegally can be hefty.
For Chickens: Chickens must be located in a secure enclosure that includes a coop. The coop shall be covered, weatherproof, and well-ventilated. The enclosure, including the coop, shall be predator-resistant. The coop shall have a minimum floor area of at least two and one-half square feet per chicken.
The minimum number you should keep at any time is three hens. Your maximum will be determined by how much space you have available. Most resources recommend a starting flock of six chickens for beginners.