Can I keep chickens in Orem, UT?
Yes — Orem allows backyard chickens, up to 12 hens. Roosters are prohibited, and coops must be at least 10 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (Orem City Code 22-6-10(C)(7), verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Yes |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | 12 |
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Coop setback | 10 ft |
| Minimum lot size | 5,000 sq ft |
| Home slaughter | Not allowed |
| Coop rules | Predator-resistant coop or chicken tractor required at night, set back at least 10 ft from all property lines, not in a front yard; cleaned regularly to prevent odor. |
| Code section | Orem City Code 22-6-10(C)(7) |
Orem permits hen chickens (no roosters) in residential zones on single-family lots under one acre, scaled to lot size: 2 hens at 5,000 sq ft up to 12 hens at 30,000 sq ft. The coop must be set back at least 10 ft from all property lines. On-site slaughtering is prohibited.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Orem?
Yes — chickens are allowed in Orem (Orem City Code 22-6-10(C)(7)).
How many chickens can I keep in Orem?
Up to 12 hens. Tiered by lot size: 2 up to 6,999 sq ft; 3 up to 7,999 sq ft; 4 up to 8,999 sq ft; 5 up to 9,999 sq ft; 6 up to 19,999 sq ft; 10 up to 29,999 sq ft.
Are roosters allowed in Orem?
No — roosters are prohibited in Orem.
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in Orem?
10 feet minimum. Predator-resistant coop or chicken tractor required at night, set back at least 10 ft from all property lines, not in a front yard; cleaned regularly to prevent odor.
Is there a minimum lot size for chickens in Orem?
Yes — 5,000 sq ft.
Can I slaughter chickens at home in Orem?
No — slaughter is not permitted under Orem's code.
What law covers backyard chickens in Orem?
Orem City Code 22-6-10(C)(7). Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Orem City Code 22-6-10(C)(7) — read the official code
“The keeping of hen chickens (no roosters) shall be permitted in a residential zone on a single-family lot less than one (1) acre provided the following are met:” source
“Lot Size / Maximum number of chickens: 5000 square feet 2; 7000 square feet 3; 8000 square feet 4; 9000 square feet 5; 10,000 square feet 6; 20,000 square feet 10; 30,000 square feet 12” source
“Slaughtering of chickens is prohibited.” source
Last verified June 14, 2026. Always confirm with your municipality — HOA rules can be stricter than city code. How we verify →
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