10-year-old asks Cottonwood Heights to cut chicken coop setback from 40 feet

Charlie Higgins, 10, told the Cottonwood Heights City Council on Tuesday that he has been caring for neighbors’ chickens and asked the city to reduce a rule that requires chicken coops to be 40 feet from any neighbor's property.

"Chickens don't take up a lot of space. They're quiet, and they help kids like me learn responsibilities and where food comes from," Charlie said during the citizen comment period.

Why it matters: The city’s setback and backyard-poultry rules determine whether families can keep chickens on typical residential lots. A change could affect single-family households that want to raise a small number of birds for eggs and education.

What was said: Charlie and his family said they researched ordinances in nearby cities and found most require 20 to 25-foot setbacks rather than 40 feet. Bridget (Charlie's mother) told the council the family reviewed city codes for Sandy, Midvale, Holladay, Millcreek, Draper, Salt Lake City, West Jordan, Murray, South Salt Lake and Taylorsville and reported that roughly half of those municipalities use a 20-foot setback and the rest use 25 feet.

Mayor Mike Quickers told Charlie the city would look into the request and that staff would be in contact. City staff advised that code changes are not typically fast and that the next regular business meeting where the council could consider an ordinance is Aug. 19. Staff also told the family the city would not send enforcement officers immediately if the coop moved while the issue is under review.

Limits and next steps: The council noted an existing restriction that appears to limit backyard poultry to single-family residences — meaning duplexes or multifamily properties are ineligible under the current code, as discussed at the meeting. City staff said they have the family's contact information and would notify them if the matter is placed on a future agenda.

No ordinance change or formal vote was taken at the Aug. 5 meeting.