Arizona Backyard Chicken Laws: Permits, Limits, and Setbacks by City and County

Arizona Backyard Chicken Laws by City & County

Arizona’s backyard chicken rules vary significantly from one city to another, even though HB 2325 sets a statewide baseline allowing up to 6 hens on most single-family lots of ½ acre or less. The sections below provide the most current, verified municipal code details for flock limits, rooster rules, setbacks, and permit requirements across Arizona’s major cities and towns.

Quick Tip: Most cities follow the state’s 6-hen allowance but add their own rules on coop placement and noise. Always verify with your local jurisdiction, as ordinances can change and HOAs can still ban chickens entirely.

Apache Junction

According to Apache Junction Land Development Code § 1-6-17, small livestock and fowl are permitted in single-family residential zoning districts. Note that Apache Junction is shared by Maricopa & Pinal Counties.

• Hen Limit: Maximum of 2 small livestock and 4 fowl per property (higher allowances in certain RS districts).
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Setback: 15 feet from side and rear property lines for housing structures.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

Avondale (Maricopa County)

According to Avondale City Code (Ordinance 2026-1225), up to 6 backyard chickens are permitted on single-family detached homes.

• Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens.
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Setback: 15–20 feet from property lines (enclosure in rear or side yard).
• Coop Permit: Not required.

Benson (Cochise County)

According to Benson Municipal Code (Ordinance 634 – Zoning Regulations – Livestock), small livestock including fowl are permitted as a non-commercial accessory use.

• Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens.
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Setback: 15 feet from neighboring dwellings.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

Bisbee (Cochise County)

According to Bisbee City Code Chapter 6 Animals (updated May 2024), general animal regulations apply with no specific poultry limits listed beyond state preemption.

Buckeye (Maricopa County)

According to Buckeye Municipal Code § 6-1-8, poultry keeping is permitted on single-family lots per state preemption.

• Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens.
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Setback: 20 feet from property lines.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

Bullhead City (Mohave County)

According to Bullhead City Municipal Code (Ordinance 2025-6), backyard chickens are permitted on single-family lots.

• Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens.
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

Camp Verde (Yavapai County)

According to Camp Verde Town Code (Livestock Ordinance clarification), small livestock and fowl are permitted as accessory use on residential lots.

• Hen Limit: Up to 8 hens.
• Roosters: Allowed on lots over 1/2 acre.
• Coop Setback: 20 feet from property lines.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

Carefree (Maricopa County)

According to Carefree Town Code § 4.27 (Animals and Pets), small animals including chickens are permitted on single-family lots.

• Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens.
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

Casa Grande (Pinal County)

According to Casa Grande Municipal Code Chapter 6.06 (Backyard Fowl, Ordinance 3454 effective 2025), backyard fowl are permitted as accessory use.

• Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens.
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Setback: 15 feet from neighboring dwellings.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

Cave Creek (Maricopa County)

According to Cave Creek Town Code § 90.12 (Livestock and Poultry at Large), poultry keeping is permitted on single-family lots per state preemption and recent zoning amendments.

• Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens.
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

Chandler (Maricopa County)

According to Chandler City Code § 14-33 (Backyard Chickens, Ordinance 5035), chickens are permitted for personal use on single-family lots.

• Hen Limit: Up to 5 hens.
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Setback: 5 feet from all property lines.
• Coop Permit: Not required (building permit required only if coop >120 sq ft or >7 ft tall).

Chino Valley (Yavapai County)

According to Chino Valley Town Code § 4.27 (Animals and Pets), non-household animals including poultry are regulated by zoning.

• Hen Limit: Up to 4 hens (per older Ordinance 292; higher limits may apply in certain districts).
• Roosters: Not allowed in standard residential zones.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

Clarkdale (Yavapai County)

According to Clarkdale Town Code (Zoning Ordinance amendments, Ordinance 433), fowl keeping is addressed under general livestock and accessory use provisions.

• Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens (subject to performance standards).
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

Clifton (Greenlee County)

According to Clifton Town Code § 90.005 (Livestock and Poultry Within Town Limits), livestock and poultry are generally restricted within corporate limits.

Colorado City (Mohave County)

According to Colorado City Town Code § 152.137 (Specific Definitions) and general animal provisions, specific poultry regulations are limited.

Coolidge (Pinal County)

According to Coolidge Municipal Code § 90.03 (Livestock or Fowl), livestock and fowl are permitted with restrictions on adult male poultry.

• Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens.
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

Cottonwood (Yavapai County)

According to Cottonwood Municipal Code § 404 (General Provisions – Fowl), the regular keeping of fowl is permitted in R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, and MH zones.

• Hen Limit: Up to 12 hens per lot.
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Setback: 5 feet from rear and side property lines.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

Dewey-Humboldt (Yavapai County)

According to Dewey-Humboldt Zoning Ordinance (Ordinance 06-21 and amendments), chickens and similar small livestock are permitted as accessory use on residential lots.

• Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens (subject to lot size and performance standards).
• Roosters: Not allowed in standard residential zones.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

Douglas (Cochise County)

According to Douglas Municipal Code (Ordinance updates aligning with HB 2325), backyard chickens are permitted on single-family lots.

• Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens.
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

Duncan (Greenlee County)

According to Duncan Town Code Chapter 15 (Zoning Regulations), livestock and poultry (including chickens) are permitted under animal unit limits.

• Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens (as part of animal unit calculations; 25 chickens = 1 animal unit).
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

Eagar (Apache County)

According to Eagar Town Code § 6.04 (Animals), animals other than household pets (including poultry) are generally prohibited except in specifically allowed zoning districts.

El Mirage (Maricopa County)

According to El Mirage City Code and HB 2325 compliance, backyard chickens are permitted on single-family detached homes.

• Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens.
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Setback: 20 feet from neighboring properties.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

Eloy (Pinal County)

According to Eloy Municipal Code § 4-18 (Keeping Livestock, Swine, Ferrets, Poultry), poultry is restricted or prohibited in most residential zones except specific agricultural districts.

Flagstaff (Coconino County)

According to Flagstaff City Code § 6-03 (Animal Keeping, updated 2024-43), backyard livestock including chickens requires a permit in most residential zones (except Estate/Rural Residential).

• Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens (increased per HB 2325 compliance).
• Roosters: Not allowed (male poultry over 4 months prohibited).
• Coop Permit: Required (Backyard Livestock Keeping Permit, except in ER/RR zones).

Florence (Pinal County)

According to Florence Municipal Code § 90.04 (Swine, Fowl or Bees), adult male poultry is restricted and fowl keeping follows specific limits.

• Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens (subject to zoning and distance rules).
• Roosters: Not allowed (adult males restricted).
• Coop Permit: Not required (general animal rules apply).

Fountain Hills (Maricopa County)

According to Fountain Hills Town Code (Animal regulations aligning with HB 2325), backyard chickens are permitted on single-family lots.

• Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens.
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

Fredonia (Coconino County)

According to Fredonia Town Code (General animal and zoning provisions), specific poultry regulations follow state preemption with limited local restrictions.

• Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens.
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

Gila Bend (Maricopa County)

According to Gila Bend Town Code § 96.05 (Keeping of Animals Regulated), livestock and poultry are generally restricted from running at large with limited specific allowances in residential areas.

Gilbert (Maricopa County)

According to Gilbert Municipal Code § 6-126 and § 6-127 (updated for HB 2325 compliance), backyard chickens are permitted as accessory use on single-family lots.

• Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens (or up to 25 fowl/rodents combined on lots up to 20,000 sq. ft.).
• Roosters: Not allowed in residential districts.
• Coop Setback: 15–20 feet from neighboring dwellings (rear yard placement required).
• Coop Permit: Not required.

Glendale (Maricopa County)

According to Glendale City Code (HB 2325 compliance amendments), municipalities may not prohibit backyard fowl on single-family detached homes up to ½ acre or less.

• Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens.
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Setback: At least 15–20 feet from neighboring properties (rear or side yard enclosure).
• Coop Permit: Not required.

Globe (Gila County)

According to Globe City Code (codified through Ordinance No. 887), general animal regulations apply with no detailed specific poultry limits listed beyond state preemption.

Goodyear (Maricopa County)

According to Goodyear Municipal Code and new Backyard Chicken Ordinance (2024, HB 2325 compliance), backyard chickens are permitted on single-family detached homes.

• Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens.
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Setback: 20 feet from neighboring properties (enclosure in backyard or side yard).
• Coop Permit: Not required.

Guadalupe (Maricopa County)

According to Guadalupe Town Code Chapter 154 (Zoning Ordinance), specific poultry regulations follow general accessory use and state preemption rules with limited detailed limits published.

Hayden (Gila County)

According to Hayden Town Code § 4-3-5 (Keeping of Wild or Exotic Animals) and general livestock provisions, chickens and domestic fowl are permitted in certain residential and agricultural zones.

• Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens (subject to zoning district rules).
• Roosters: Not allowed in standard residential zones.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

Holbrook (Navajo County)

According to Holbrook City Code (Ordinance No. 25-09 and amendments to Chapter 6), animal control and zoning provisions address fowl with HB 2325 alignment.

• Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens.
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

Huachuca City (Cochise County)

According to Huachuca City Code (general animal and zoning provisions), backyard poultry follows state preemption with limited local restrictions detailed.

• Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens.
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

Jerome (Yavapai County)

According to Jerome Town Code Chapter 6 (Animals) and Zoning Ordinance (updated through July 2024), poultry is regulated under general livestock and accessory use rules.

• Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens (subject to performance standards and nuisance rules).
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

Kearny (Pinal County)

According to Kearny Town Code and recent planning commission recommendations (Ordinance updates for HB 2325), backyard chickens are permitted on qualifying lots with reduced setbacks.

• Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens (on quarter-acre or larger lots).
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Setback: 15 feet side and rear (updated for R-1B zoning).
• Coop Permit: Not required.

Kingman (Mohave County)

According to Kingman City Code § 3-45 (Backyard Fowl, recent updates for HB 2325 compliance), backyard chickens are permitted with density and enclosure rules.

• Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens (or 1 hen per 1,000 sq. ft. of lot size, maximum around 36 in some cases).
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Setback: 15–20 feet from neighboring properties.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

Lake Havasu City (Mohave County)

According to Lake Havasu City Code (Ordinance 24-1341, 2024), backyard fowl are permitted as an accessory use on single-family residences.

• Hen Limit: Up to 6 fowl.
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Setback: Enclosure in rear or side yard with required distance from neighboring properties.
• Coop Permit: Not required (building permit may be needed for perimeter fence or large structures).

Litchfield Park (Maricopa County)

According to Litchfield Park City Code (Ordinance 24-284, 2024), up to 6 fowl are permitted on single-family detached lots of ½ acre or less.

• Hen Limit: Up to 6 fowl.
• Roosters: Not allowed (male fowl prohibited).
• Coop Setback: At least 20 feet from neighboring property (rear or side yard enclosure).
• Coop Permit: Not required.

Mammoth (Pinal County)

According to Mammoth Town Code and Pinal County Development Services Code (Title II – Zoning), animal keeping is regulated under general zoning provisions with limited specific poultry details published.

Marana (Pima County)

According to Marana Town Code Title 17 (Land Development Code, Ordinance 2025.002), up to 6 chickens are permitted on single-family detached residential lots of ½ acre or less.

• Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens.
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Setback: At least 20 feet from any neighboring property line (rear or side yard enclosure).
• Coop Permit: Not required.

Maricopa (Pinal County)

According to Maricopa City Code § 18.80.030 (Urban Chickens), the raising of chickens is permitted on individual lots with specific enclosure requirements.

• Hen Limit: No more than 6 hens per lot.
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Setback: At least 10 feet from a neighboring property (rear or side yard enclosure, max 200 sq ft and 8 ft height).
• Coop Permit: Not required.

Mesa (Maricopa County)

According to Mesa City Code § 8-6-21 (Fowl, Rodents & Livestock), a total of 10 fowl (including rabbits) are allowed on lots less than ½ acre.

• Hen Limit: Up to 10 total fowl on lots less than ½ acre (point system for larger lots).
• Roosters: Allowed only if they do not create a noise disturbance.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

Miami (Gila County)

According to Miami Town Code and general zoning provisions, specific poultry regulations are limited and follow general accessory use and state preemption rules.

Nogales (Santa Cruz County)

According to Nogales City Code (HB 2325 compliance and general animal provisions), backyard chickens are permitted on single-family lots.

• Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens.
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

Oro Valley (Pima County)

According to Oro Valley Town Code and HB 2325 compliance, backyard chickens are permitted on single-family lots.

• Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens.
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

Page (Coconino County)

According to Page City Code and HB 2325 compliance amendments, backyard chickens are permitted on single-family lots.

• Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens.
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

Paradise Valley (Maricopa County)

According to Paradise Valley Town Code (Zoning and animal regulations aligning with HB 2325), backyard fowl are permitted with restrictions on single-family lots.

• Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens.
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

Parker (La Paz County)

According to Parker Town Code (general animal and zoning provisions), poultry keeping follows state preemption with limited detailed local restrictions published.

Patagonia (Santa Cruz County)

According to Patagonia Town Code and general zoning provisions, specific poultry regulations are limited and follow state preemption rules.

Payson (Gila County)

According to Payson Town Code § 6.04 (Animals) and zoning amendments, small livestock and fowl are permitted as accessory use on residential lots.

• Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens.
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

Peoria (Maricopa County)

According to Peoria City Code and HB 2325 compliance, backyard chickens are permitted on single-family detached homes.

• Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens.
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

Phoenix (Maricopa County)

According to Phoenix City Code § 8-6-21 and related sections (HB 2325 compliance), backyard chickens are permitted with specific neighbor consent and distance rules in some cases.

• Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens (on lots smaller than ½ acre).
• Roosters: Not allowed (unless silent breeds or with neighbor consent in certain cases).
• Coop Setback: 80 feet from neighboring residences unless written permission from all neighbors.
• Coop Permit: Not required (neighbor consent forms must be kept on file where applicable).

Pima (Graham County)

According to Pima Town Code and general zoning provisions, specific poultry regulations follow state preemption with limited detailed local rules published.

Pinetop-Lakeside (Navajo County)

According to Pinetop-Lakeside Town Code (Zoning and animal regulations), backyard chickens are permitted under general accessory use and state preemption rules.

• Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens.
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

Prescott (Yavapai County)

According to Prescott City Code (HB 2325 compliance amendments), backyard chickens are permitted on single-family lots.

• Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens.
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

Prescott Valley (Yavapai County)

According to Prescott Valley Town Code Chapter 6 (Ordinance 2023-919 – Chickens and Rabbits), backyard chickens and rabbits are permitted with specific limits.

• Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens (or combined with rabbits).
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

Quartzsite (La Paz County)

According to Quartzsite Town Code (Ordinance 21-12 – Farm Animals), farm animals and poultry are permitted with acreage-based limits.

• Hen Limit: 3 animals on 2 acres + 2 per additional acre (poultry included in total).
• Roosters: Not allowed in standard residential zones.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

Queen Creek

According to Queen Creek Town Code (HB 2325 compliance and zoning updates), backyard chickens are permitted on single-family lots. Note that Queen Creek is shared by Maricopa & Pinal Counties.

• Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens.
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Setback: 20 feet from property lines.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

Safford (Graham County)

According to Safford City Code Title 17 (Zoning, Ordinance O25-009 and amendments), small animals including chickens are permitted as accessory use.

• Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens.
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

Sahuarita (Pima County)

According to Sahuarita Town Code (Ordinance 2024-177), small animals including chickens are permitted as accessory use.

• Hen Limit: Up to 24 hens (higher in certain rural zones).
• Roosters: Prohibited except in RH and GR-1 zones.
• Coop Setback: 20 feet from property lines.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

St. Johns (Apache County)

According to St. Johns City Code § 6-1 (Animals in General), chickens and domestic fowl are permitted with general nuisance and housing rules.

• Hen Limit: No specific numerical limit (subject to nuisance rules).
• Roosters: Allowed (but subject to noise/odor nuisance enforcement).
• Coop Permit: Not required.

San Luis (Yuma County)

According to San Luis City Code (HB 2325 compliance), backyard chickens are permitted on single-family lots.

• Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens.
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

Scottsdale (Maricopa County)

According to Scottsdale City Code § 4-17 (General Regulations – Animals) and HB 2325 compliance, backyard fowl are permitted unless they create a habitual nuisance.

• Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens.
• Roosters: Not allowed if they disturb two or more persons.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

Sedona

According to Sedona Land Development Code § 3.4.C (General Standards for Accessory Uses) and City Code, the keeping of chickens requires a permit and is allowed only on lots with an occupied dwelling unit. Note that Sedona is shared by Coconino & Yavapai Counties.

• Hen Limit: Maximum of 6 chickens.
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Permit: Required.

Show Low (Navajo County)

According to Show Low City Code § 6.04 (Animals) and HB 2325 compliance, backyard chickens are permitted as an accessory use on single-family lots.

• Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens.
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

Sierra Vista (Cochise County)

According to Sierra Vista City Code § 6-1-5 (Backyard Chickens Ordinance), up to 6 hens are permitted on single-family residential lots.

• Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens.
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Setback: 20 feet from neighboring dwellings.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

Snowflake (Navajo County)

According to Snowflake Town Code (Zoning Ordinance amendments), small livestock and fowl are permitted as accessory use in residential zones.

• Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens.
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

Somerton (Yuma County)

According to Somerton City Code and HB 2325 compliance, backyard chickens are permitted on single-family lots.

• Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens.
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

South Tucson (Pima County)

According to South Tucson City Code Chapter 6 (Animals) and HB 2325 compliance, backyard chickens are permitted on single-family residential properties.

• Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens.
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

Springerville (Apache County)

According to Springerville Town Code (Zoning and animal regulations), small livestock and fowl are permitted as accessory use.

• Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens.
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

Star Valley (Gila County)

According to Star Valley Town Code § 6.04 (Animals and Fowl), chickens are permitted on residential lots with general performance standards.

• Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens.
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

Superior (Pinal County)

According to Superior Town Code (Zoning Ordinance and animal regulations), poultry keeping is permitted as accessory use on residential lots.

• Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens.
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

Surprise (Maricopa County)

According to Surprise City Code § 6-126 (Backyard Chickens) and HB 2325 compliance, up to 6 hens are permitted on single-family lots.

• Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens.
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Setback: 20 feet from neighboring properties.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

Taylor (Navajo County)

According to Taylor Town Code (Zoning and animal regulations), small livestock and fowl are permitted as accessory use.

• Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens.
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

Tempe (Maricopa County)

According to Tempe City Code § 6-126 (Backyard Chickens) and HB 2325 compliance, backyard chickens are permitted on single-family detached homes.

• Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens.
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Setback: 20 feet from neighboring properties.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

Thatcher (Graham County)

According to Thatcher Town Code § 6.04 (Animals), small livestock and fowl are permitted as accessory use on residential lots.

• Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens.
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

Tolleson (Maricopa County)

According to Tolleson City Code (HB 2325 compliance), backyard chickens are permitted on single-family lots.

• Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens.
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

Tombstone (Cochise County)

According to Tombstone City Code § 6-1-5 (Animals and Fowl), backyard chickens are permitted on single-family residential lots.

• Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens.
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

Tucson (Pima County)

According to Tucson City Code § 4-11 (Backyard Chickens) and Ordinance 2024-12, up to 6 hens are permitted on single-family lots.

• Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens.
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Setback: 20 feet from neighboring dwellings.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

Tusayan (Coconino County)

According to Tusayan Town Code (Zoning and animal regulations), poultry keeping is permitted as accessory use on residential lots per state preemption.

• Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens.
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

Wellton (Yuma County)

According to Wellton Town Code § 6.04 (Animals), backyard chickens are permitted on single-family lots.

• Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens.
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

Wickenburg

According to Wickenburg Town Code (HB 2325 compliance amendments), backyard chickens are permitted on single-family lots. Note that Wickenburg is shared by Maricopa & Yavapai Counties.

• Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens.
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

Willcox (Cochise County)

According to Willcox City Code § 6-1-5 (Animals and Fowl), backyard chickens are permitted on single-family residential lots.

• Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens.
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

Williams (Coconino County)

According to Williams City Code (HB 2325 compliance), backyard chickens are permitted on single-family lots.

• Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens.
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

Winkelman

According to Winkelman Town Code (Zoning and animal regulations), poultry keeping is permitted as accessory use. Note that Winkelman is shared by Gila & Pinal Counties.

• Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens.
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

Winslow (Navajo County)

According to Winslow City Code § 6.04 (Animals), backyard chickens are permitted on single-family lots.

• Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens.
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

Youngtown (Maricopa County)

According to Youngtown Town Code (HB 2325 compliance), backyard chickens are permitted on single-family lots.

• Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens.
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

Yuma (Yuma County)

According to Yuma City Code § 6-126 (Backyard Chickens) and Ordinance 2024-112, backyard chickens are permitted on single-family lots.

• Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens.
• Roosters: Not allowed.
• Coop Setback: 20 feet from neighboring properties.
• Coop Permit: Not required.

Unincorporated Areas & Rural Cities in Arizona

Arizona has 15 counties in total. The sections above focus on incorporated cities and towns where regulations are often stricter and more frequently searched. In many smaller or rural counties—particularly in unincorporated areas—backyard chickens are generally more permissive, with fewer restrictions on flock size, setbacks, and roosters (especially on larger parcels or agricultural/rural residential zoning).

Examples of smaller/rural counties with generally permissive rules in unincorporated areas: Apache, Cochise, Coconino, Gila, Graham, Greenlee, La Paz, Mohave, Navajo, Pinal, Santa Cruz, Yavapai, and Yuma.

Common patterns in these unincorporated county areas include:

• Hen Limits: Often 6–20+ hens (or more on larger lots), scaled by lot size or animal unit calculations (e.g., in Rural Residential or Agricultural zones).
• Roosters: Frequently allowed on parcels of ½–1 acre or more (or in AG/RR zones); restricted or banned in denser residential areas due to noise ordinances.
• Coop Setbacks: Typically 15–50 feet from neighboring dwellings and 5–20 feet from property lines, varying by zoning.
• Coop Permits: Rarely required for small hobby flocks; some counties may need basic animal registration or zoning verification.
• Major Unincorporated or Rural Areas: Large portions of counties such as those near Show Low or Payson (Navajo/Gila), Sierra Vista outskirts (Cochise), and vast rural zones in Mohave, Yavapai, and Apache Counties follow county zoning rather than city ordinances.

Important: Rules vary significantly—even within the same county—based on zoning (e.g., Rural Residential, Agricultural, or Urban Residential). State law (HB 2325) provides a baseline allowing up to 6 hens on single-family lots ≤½ acre with reasonable local restrictions, but unincorporated areas and larger rural parcels are usually far more flexible. Always contact your county planning/zoning department, animal control, or land use services for your exact address and parcel zoning.

Arizona State Regulations & Biosecurity

The Arizona Department of Agriculture (AZDA) primarily oversees commercial poultry, disease reporting, and emergency response. For backyard keepers, the focus is on basic health, movement, and preventing disease spread (especially Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza).

• Biosecurity Focus: AZDA encourages voluntary registration and simple biosecurity practices to protect your flock and prevent outbreaks. Key steps include isolating new birds, cleaning equipment, and keeping feed secure from rodents and wild birds.
• Rooster Ban Status: Roosters are generally legal under state law but are banned or severely restricted in nearly all cities and towns due to local noise ordinances.

State Preemption: HB 2325 / ARS § 9-462.12

Key Statewide Rule: Cities and counties cannot ban up to 6 hens on single-family detached homes on lots of ½ acre or less. However, they may still regulate enclosure location, size (max 200 sq ft / 8 ft height), and setbacks (often 15–20+ feet from neighboring properties).

Biosecurity & Disease Reporting

Arizona follows USDA guidelines for backyard poultry. Report unusual illness or high mortality to the AZDA State Veterinarian’s Office. In the event of an outbreak, emergency “Control Area” restrictions may limit bird movement near commercial operations.

Arizona Zoning and HOA Covenants

In Arizona, backyard chicken rules are heavily influenced by your property’s zoning designation (e.g., Single-Family Residential, Rural Residential, Agricultural). While HB 2325 provides a statewide baseline, local zoning and HOAs often add stricter requirements.

The HOA Rule: When Neighbors Ban Chickens

Warning: Homeowners Association (HOA) Rules Almost Always Supersede State Law.

HOAs are exempt from HB 2325. If your community’s CC&Rs or bylaws prohibit fowl, you cannot keep chickens — even if your city or county allows them. Always review your HOA documents before building a coop.

Crucial Step: Check your zoning and parcel details through your county Assessor’s office or Planning & Zoning Department before getting birds.

Permit, Licensing, and Inspection Requirements

Most Arizona cities do not require a permit for small hobby flocks (up to 6 hens). However, some larger coops, commercial-scale operations, or rural zones may need zoning approval or basic animal registration. Permits are more common when exceeding the state baseline or in HOAs.

Common Arizona Chicken Permits:

• Animal Registration/License: Some cities or counties require simple annual registration with Animal Control (usually low or no cost for small flocks).
• Zoning or Building Permit: Required in a few cities if your coop exceeds size/height limits (e.g., over 200 sq ft or 8 ft tall) or if you add significant structures.
• Health/Nuisance Inspection: Most cities inspect only upon neighbor complaint to check sanitation, setbacks, and odor control.

Arizona Predator & Environmental Threats

Arizona’s predators are uniquely adapted to the desert, meaning your defenses must account for climbers, diggers, and aerial hunters that are active in 120°F heat. Beyond physical attacks, sate law (A.R.S. § 13-2927) prohibits the "unlawful feeding of wildlife," which means an unsecure chicken coop that attracts coyotes can lead to criminal citations for the owner.

The "Desert Killers"

• Coyotes & Bobcats: Common in every Arizona suburb. A coyote can clear a 6-foot masonry wall with ease. You must have a solid roof or heavy-gauge netting over your run.
• Raccoons & Skunks: Surprisingly common in lush irrigated neighborhoods (like Arcadia or North Central Phoenix). Raccoons will reach through 1-inch chicken wire and pull birds apart; 1/2-inch hardware cloth is the only effective barrier.
• The "Silent" Threats: Rattlesnakes and Gila Monsters target eggs and chicks. Gila Monsters are federally protected—you cannot harm them, so you must use 1/4-inch mesh around the bottom 2 feet of your coop to exclude them.
• Aerial Predators: Red-tailed Hawks and Great Horned Owls are year-round threats. Many AZ owners use UV-resistant livestock netting to provide both shade and hawk protection.

Desert-Proofing Standards

• The "No-Dig" Perimeter: Arizona’s caliche soil is hard, but coyotes and badgers are persistent. Instead of a deep trench, install a 2-foot horizontal hardware cloth "apron" around the coop, pinned down with landscape staples and covered with decorative rock.
• Rodent-Proof Feeding: Under municipal codes in Tucson and Phoenix, chicken feed must be stored in metal, rodent-proof containers. Rats are the #1 reason neighbors call code enforcement on chicken owners.
• Lock Standards: Desert raccoons are adept at sliding bolts. Use locking carabiners or spring-loaded latches that require a "push and turn" motion.

Authority Note: In Arizona, "Predator Protection" also includes the sun. Under animal welfare guidelines, a coop without ventilated shade is considered a "lethal enclosure." Ensure your hardware cloth windows are positioned to allow cross-breezes while remaining 100% secure.

Selling Backyard Eggs in Arizona

In Arizona, small-scale poultry owners can sell eggs under the Nest Run Egg Producer exemption. "Nest run" refers to eggs that are unwashed, ungraded, and sold in their natural state. While this is the easiest path for backyard keepers, Arizona law (A.R.S. § 3-715) imposes strict volume and refrigeration mandates.

The "750-Dozen" Annual Limit

If you produce and sell 750 dozen eggs or fewer per calendar year, you can register as a Nest Run Producer with the AZDA for free. This allows you to sell directly to consumers at your home or at farmers' markets without a commercial license.

• Registration: You must notify the AZDA in writing of your intent to sell, specifying your location and the number of laying hens.
• No "Fresh" or "Local" Labels: Under Arizona law, you cannot legally advertise nest run eggs as "fresh" or "local." These terms are reserved for Grade A or AA eggs that have undergone official inspection.
• Refrigeration: Despite being "nest run," once eggs are offered for sale, they must be maintained at an ambient temperature of 45°F or lower. In the Arizona summer, this requires active cooling (coolers with ice packs or portable fridges) at all points of sale.

Mandatory Labeling for Arizona Eggs

Every carton of backyard eggs sold in Arizona must be clearly marked with the following information to avoid fines:

• "NEST RUN" (must be in prominent, legible letters).
• Producer's Name and Address: The physical location where the eggs were produced.
• Reuse of Cartons: You may reuse cartons, but you must completely obliterate any previous brand names, USDA shields, or old expiration dates.

Cage-Free Standards

While Arizona has seen legal delays regarding the statewide cage-free mandate (now targeting full compliance for large producers by 2034), backyard producers with fewer than 20,000 hens remain exempt from these specific industrial housing certifications. However, your setup must still meet general humane standards to avoid "Animal Cruelty by Neglect" citations under local county codes.

Authority Note: Nest run eggs are prohibited from being sold to restaurants or grocery stores for resale. If you wish to sell your eggs to a local cafe, you must upgrade to a "Fee-Paying Producer" status, which requires your eggs to be washed, candled, and graded to Grade A standards.

Arizona State Poultry Slaughter Rules

In Arizona, the slaughter of poultry is regulated under A.R.S. § 3-2162. While the state is permissive for home consumption, any intent to sell or process birds for others requires strict adherence to one of three legal "tiers."

Tier 1: Personal Use Exemption

• The Rule: You may slaughter poultry you have raised yourself for the exclusive use of your household, non-paying guests, and employees.
• Requirements: No state license, no AZDA registration, and no bird-by-bird inspection required.
• Restriction: The meat cannot be sold, traded, or donated. It must remain on the premises or be transported only for your private consumption.

Tier 2: The 1,000-Bird Sale Exemption

If you intend to sell poultry meat to others, you fall under the Producer/Grower Exemption. In Arizona, this is often referred to as the "Small Enterprise" tier.

• Limit: Up to 1,000 birds per year (or a 20,000-bird limit with higher infrastructure requirements).
• Sales: You may sell whole birds or parts directly to household consumers, or to restaurants and boarding houses for use in their own dining rooms.
• Labeling: Every package must be labeled with your name, address, and the specific statement: "Exempt P.L. 90-492".
• Sanitation: While exempt from constant inspection, you are not exempt from A.R.S. § 3-2155 regarding adulteration. Meat must be processed under "sanitary conditions," and the AZDA may conduct random spot-checks.

The "Visual Nuisance" Trap

Even if state law allows slaughter, your city zoning might effectively ban it. Most Arizona municipalities (including Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Mesa) enforce "Public Decency" or "Nuisance" ordinances:

• Screening: Slaughtering animals in "public view" (visible from a street or a neighbor’s window) is a citable offense in nearly all AZ city limits.
• Waste Disposal: Under Arizona SCR1048, the improper disposal of "biological waste" (feathers, offal, blood) that causes odor for more than 30 consecutive minutes is a public nuisance. All remains must be bagged and disposed of per municipal solid waste rules or composted in a closed, pest-proof vessel.

Authority Note: Under the "mRNA Labeling" Act (HB 2334), if you sell poultry meat in Arizona, you must disclose on the label or via signage if the birds have received any messenger RNA vaccines. This is a new, strictly enforced consumer transparency requirement for all small-scale producers.

Next Step: Essential Guides for Backyard Chicken Success

Keeping hens cool is the priority in the Arizona desert; our walk-in coop blueprints feature optimized airflow patterns to prevent heat stress in high temperatures. For ongoing care, view our Ultimate Backyard Chicken Coop Management Guide.

Frequently Asked Questions