Backyard chickens in Millcreek, Utah

Yes, Millcreek allows backyard chickens (domestic fowl) as an accessory use on residential properties in every zone of the city. Millcreek repealed its old locally-drafted animal code and adopted Title 8 of the Salt Lake County Code as its local animal-control law by Ordinance No. 21-07, AN ORDINANCE AMENDING TITLE 8, ENTITLED ANIMALS, OF THE MILLCREEK CODE OF ORDINANCES TO ADOPT TITLE 8 OF THE SALT LAKE COUNTY CODE AS IT EXISTED ON FEBRUARY 8, 2021 AS THE LOCAL LAW within city limits. The City later amended its zoning code with Chapter 18.77 (Animal Regulations), which set a flat number (10) on the amount of domestic fowl permitted, while the remaining regulations located in Title 8 stay the same.

Qualifying properties may keep up to 10 domestic fowl, and you must obtain a Domestic Fowl Permit before starting your flock. The permit is obtained through Salt Lake County Animal Services, which administers licensing for Millcreek under the adopted county code. Roosters are prohibited. The coop must be in a side or rear yard and at least 40 feet from any dwelling and the street.

Chapter 18.77 also included a lot area minimum of ½ acre for horses and livestock, and categorized animal uses as a conditional use in higher density zones — meaning that on smaller, higher-density lots a conditional-use permit may be required in addition to the standard fowl permit.

Millcreek sits in the Salt Lake Valley at roughly 4,285 feet elevation, giving it a humid continental climate with hot, dry summers (often 90°F+) and cold, snowy winters that can dip well below freezing. Flocks need shade and ventilation in July/August and a wind-sheltered, insulated coop in December/January.

The foothills of the Wasatch Range bordering Millcreek support healthy populations of raccoons, red foxes, coyotes, and skunks, while red-tailed hawks and other raptors are common overhead. A fully covered, hardware-cloth-lined run is strongly recommended given the required 40-foot dwelling setback that often puts coops closer to open yards, canyons, or greenbelt areas.