Backyard Chickens in Provo, Utah

Can you keep chickens in Provo?

Thinking about raising backyard hens in Provo, Utah? The city welcomes egg-laying flocks in residential zones, with hen limits tied to your lot size and a simple annual registration process.

Yes – with conditions

Yes, Provo allows hen chickens in residential (R) zones for egg production, but roosters are prohibited. Under Provo City Code §8.02.190, the number of hens permitted is scaled to lot size, ranging from 2 hens on a 6,000 sq ft lot up to 6 hens on a 10,000 sq ft lot. Chickens must be kept on a lot where the principal use is a one-family dwelling, and owners must register annually with the City before keeping chickens.

Read the ordinance ↗

The rules at a glance

Hens in city limits: Allowed
How many hens: 6
Roosters: No
Permit required: Yes
Permit cost: $20
Setback from property line: 15 ft.

Peggy knows Provo

The rules, straight from the municipal code.

Per §8.02.190, chickens must be confined within a secure outdoor enclosed area that includes a covered, ventilated, predator-resistant coop. The coop must have a minimum floor area of 2 sq ft per chicken (or 6 sq ft per chicken if chickens cannot roam outside the coop within the enclosed area). The coop must be located in the rear yard, at least 15 feet from any property line and 6 feet from any dwelling. The coop and enclosure must be kept neat and sanitary, with no odor detectable at the property line, and chickens may not roam outside the coop/enclosure. Feed must be stored in rodent- and predator-proof containers. Hen limits scale with lot size: 2 hens (6,000 sq ft), 3 hens (7,000 sq ft), 4 hens (8,000 sq ft), 5 hens (9,000 sq ft), and 6 hens (10,000 sq ft or more). Owners must register annually with the City (registration valid for one year, renewable). Violations are a class C misdemeanor.

Where this comes from

Keeping a flock happy in Provo

🌡️ Climate

USDA Hardiness Zone 6b/7a (semi-arid, high desert)

Provo sits in Utah Valley along the Wasatch Front, with hot, dry summers (often in the 90s°F) and cold, snowy winters (teens to 20s°F). Chicken keepers should choose cold-hardy breeds and ensure coops are well-insulated for winter and well-ventilated for summer heat.

🦝 Who's after your hens

HawkFoxRaccoonSkunkCoyote

Provo's location near foothills and open space means backyard flocks face pressure from hawks, foxes, raccoons, skunks, and coyotes. The ordinance requires a covered, ventilated, and predator-resistant coop, and feed must be stored in rodent- and predator-proof containers to help deter these predators.

🐔 Breeds that do well here

Wyandotte, Rhode Island Red, Plymouth Rock, Australorp

Our package comes with two Rhode Island Reds – hardy in heat and cold, and friendly with kids.

Questions people ask about Provo

▸How many hens can I keep in Provo?

The limit scales with lot size: 2 hens on a 6,000 sq ft lot, 3 on 7,000 sq ft, 4 on 8,000 sq ft, 5 on 9,000 sq ft, and up to 6 hens on lots of 10,000 sq ft or more (§8.02.190).

▸Are roosters allowed in Provo?

No. Provo's ordinance specifically permits only hen chickens and prohibits roosters, regardless of age.

▸Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Provo?

Yes. Residents must register annually with Provo City before keeping chickens; registration costs $20 and is valid for one year, renewable annually.

▸How far from my property line must the coop be?

The coop must be located in the rear yard, at least 15 feet from any property line and 6 feet from any dwelling.

▸Can my chickens roam free in the yard?

No. Chickens must remain within the coop or enclosed area at all times and are not permitted to roam outside of it.

City rules change, and this page is a summary rather than legal advice. Please confirm with Provo or your HOA before you order – and call us on (559) 321-7271 if you'd like a hand. Last checked September 22, 2026.