Salt Lake City defers to the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act and Utah wildlife code to protect native birds, prohibiting take or nest disturbance, while local Title 6 covers bird-keeping nuisance and sanitation.
Under federal MBTA and Utah Code 23A-3, killing, trapping, or disturbing migratory birds, eggs, or active nests without a permit is illegal. SLC Animal Services and Utah DWR jointly enforce when complaints arise, often in spring construction season when crews encounter swallow, robin, or raptor nests. Tree trimming during nesting season can violate federal law if active nests are destroyed. The city encourages window-strike reduction near downtown towers and supports Tracy Aviary education. Domestic poultry are governed by SLC chickens-livestock rules; native songbirds are not legal pets without a permit.
Destroying an active migratory nest violates federal MBTA with fines up to fifteen thousand dollars per bird. Local nuisance from caged birds may add citations under SLC Title 6 sanitation rules.
Salt Lake City, UT
Intentional feeding of deer, raccoons, coyotes, and other wildlife prohibited in Salt Lake City per SLC 8.04. Bird feeding allowed but must not attract roden...
Salt Lake City, UT
Salt Lake City may allow backyard chickens with limits. Roosters typically banned in residential areas. Livestock requires agricultural zoning.
See how Salt Lake City's bird protection rules stack up against other locations.
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