North Ogden considers amendment to chicken coop regulations amid public complaints

The North Ogden City Planning Commission held a public hearing on May 7, 2025, to discuss a proposed legislative amendment to the city’s animal and fowl regulations, specifically regarding chicken coops. The amendment aims to address inconsistencies in distance requirements that have made it difficult for residents to keep chickens legally.

Scott Hess, the Community and Economic Development Director, presented the amendment, which was prompted by public comments and complaints about the current regulations. The existing code mandates that chicken coops must be located at least 50 feet from any dwelling and 75 feet from adjacent homes, as well as 100 feet from public streets. These requirements have led to the denial of several applications for chicken coops, particularly in residential areas with smaller lot sizes, where such distances are often unfeasible.

Hess noted that the current regulations effectively render chicken coops illegal for over 90% of residential properties in North Ogden, particularly in areas with lots ranging from 10,000 to 15,000 square feet. The proposed amendment seeks to simplify the regulations by removing the specific references to chicken coops while maintaining standards for animal keeping. This change is intended to align the regulations with the realities of residential living and to reduce the number of illegal chicken coops that currently exist in the city.

The amendment also proposes to eliminate a requirement for a permit that has not been actively enforced, as well as to clarify the standards for maintaining chickens in a clean and humane manner. Hess emphasized that the city has adequate code enforcement measures to ensure that animal keeping does not lead to unsanitary conditions or neighbor disputes.

The public hearing allowed residents to voice their opinions on the proposed changes, reflecting a community interest in both the enjoyment of backyard chickens and the need for reasonable regulations. The Planning Commission will consider the feedback received during the hearing before making a recommendation to the city council. This amendment represents a significant step towards balancing residents' desires for urban farming with the need for effective land use management in North Ogden.