West Valley City, UT Animal Ordinances: Chickens & Livestock (2026)
Key Facts
- Point cap (Ag zones)
- 200 points per acre
- Large animal (horse, cattle)
- 40 points each
- Small animal (chicken, rabbit)
- 1 point each
- Rooster/crowing hen
- 20 points each
- Structure setback from dwelling
- 40 feet minimum
Summary
In West Valley City's Agricultural zones, keeping livestock is a permitted use capped at 200 'Animal points' per acre, large animals like horses cost 40 points, small ones like chickens cost one, under Section 7-6-205.
(1) All Structures or enclosures for the keeping of Animals, including but not limited to barns, Kennels, corrals, stables, and coops, shall be located at least 40 feet from any dwelling. If no dwelling exists, any such Structures or enclosures must be located a minimum of 100 feet from any public Street. ... (3) The maintenance and keeping of livestock on a Lot or Parcel of Land in an Agricultural Zone as a Permitted Use shall be limited to a total of 200 Animal points per acre, with fractional amounts of land receiving a prorated point allowance.
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 26-30, passed June 23, 2026).
Full Breakdown
Section 7-6-205 governs livestock and other animals kept in West Valley City's Agricultural zones. Barns, coops, corrals, stables, and similar structures must sit at least 40 feet from any dwelling (100 feet from a public street if there's no dwelling). Keeping livestock as a permitted use is capped at 200 'Animal points' per acre, prorated for smaller parcels. Large animals over 40 inches tall, like horses and cattle, cost 40 points each; medium animals like pigs, sheep, and goats cost 20 points; small animals like chickens and rabbits cost one point each: except roosters and crowing hens, which cost 20 points regardless of size.
Violations & Fines
Keeping more animal points than a parcel's acreage allows, or housing animals in structures closer than 40 feet to a dwelling, is a zoning violation subject to code enforcement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep chickens or other livestock in West Valley City?
How far must a barn or coop be from my house?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in West Valley City
How West Valley City compares: Best Cities for Backyard Chickens·Compare West Valley City to another location·View the Utah animal ordinances overview
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