In 2024, Arizona took a big step forward for urban agriculture with a law that protects the right to keep backyard chickens. Signed by Governor Katie Hobbs, HB 2325 prevents cities from banning residents from raising hens at single-family homes. This in-depth guide, over 1,000 words, unpacks everything you need to know—from how it works to why it matters and how to make it work for you.
1. What Is HB 2325?
HB 2325 is a statewide law signed in May 2024 that states: cities cannot prohibit backyard chickens at single-family residences. In other words, if you own a single-family home, your city must allow you to keep hens in your backyard—even if current local rules say otherwise.
The law applies only to single-family homes—not to apartments, condos, or multi-unit properties. It standardizes a right to raise hens across Arizona.
2. Why This Law Was Needed
Prior to HB 2325, chicken regulations varied dramatically across Arizona cities. Some cities banned all poultry; others allowed hens only with a permit or under strict zoning rules. The result was patchwork access—people in some neighborhoods could keep hens; others could not.
HB 2325 placed a floor under city restrictions—guaranteeing that single-family homeowners could keep chicken coops and hens without battling local ordinances.
3. What the Law Allows and Restricts
Under HB 2325, homeowners may:
- Keep up to six female fowl (hens and similar female backyard birds) at a single-family property.
- Not keep any male fowl—no roosters or cocks.
Additional requirements include:
- Housing must be enclosed (a coop or pen) and maintenance must be regular—cleaning twice weekly is recommended.
- Setbacks typically require coops to be at least 20 feet away from neighboring structures. (Some cities may allow modifications by written consent.)
- Male birds—especially roosters—remain prohibited due to noise and nuisance considerations.
4. How the Law Works in Practice
When HB 2325 went into effect (90 days after signing in May 2024), Arizona cities had to adjust their codes and zoning rules. Many incorporated the six-hen limit, coop standards, and eliminated outright bans on backyard hens in single-family zones.
For example, Chandler updated its zoning code to align with the law—allowing homeowners to raise up to six hens, with no roosters, and with coop guidelines intact.
5. Benefits of HB 2325
- Equal access: Homeowners across Arizona—regardless of their city—can keep hens under the same statewide standards.
- Promotes urban agriculture: Growing interest in self-sufficiency and locally sourced food made the law timely.
- Consistency for residents: People moving between jurisdictions no longer face different rules for keeping backyard chickens.
- Civic clarity: Cities don’t need to argue or legislate a case-by-case chicken ban—everyone follows the new baseline.
6. Limitations and Considerations
- Applies only to single-family homes: Owners of multi-unit or commercial properties may still face restrictions.
- Coop and setback rules still apply: Cities can regulate placement, sanitation, and coop construction—just not ban chickens outright.
- HOAs may still restrict hens: Homeowners associations can impose further restrictions under their governing documents.
- Enforcement depends on city structure: Some cities will proactively update ordinances, while others may wait for resident requests.
7. Summary Table
| Feature | HB 2325 Standard |
|---|---|
| Allowed Fowl | Up to 6 female backyard fowl (e.g., hens) |
| Male Fowl | Prohibited (no roosters) |
| Property Type | Single-family residences only |
| Permit Needed | No state permit required—subject to local coop rules |
| Setbacks & Enclosures | May be regulated by cities—commonly around 20 feet |
| City Bans | Not allowed under HB 2325—can’t prohibit hens outright |
8. What Homeowners Should Do Now
- Check whether your city updated its municipal code to reflect HB 2325.
- Confirm if your property is zoned single-family residential (as multi-unit addresses may have different rules).
- Design your coop to comply with setback requirements and be enclosed, predator-proof, and cleanable.
- Keep a simple cleaning schedule—twice a week is common practice to avoid nuisances.
- Contact your HOA (if applicable) to confirm there are no additional restrictions against chickens.
9. Frequently Asked Questions
Does HB 2325 require a permit?
No statewide permit—just follow your city’s coop, setback, and sanitation rules.
Can I keep more than six hens if I live in an unincorporated area?
Possibly—HB 2325 applies to cities; unincorporated areas may follow county rules, which can differ.
Does it matter if I’m renting?
It may—your landlord or HOA rules might still prohibit chickens, even if state law allows them.
Are there penalties for violations?
City penalties vary—typically fees or removal orders if coop rules are not met or complaints arise.
10. Final Thoughts
Governor Katie Hobbs’s signing of HB 2325 is a landmark for backyard chicken enthusiasts in Arizona. It ensures single-family homeowners statewide can raise hens—so long as they follow coop standards and city rules—without fear of outright bans. This represents both a legal win for urban farming and a smart move for food resilience and local autonomy. Interested in coop blueprints, city comparisons, or HOA communication templates? I’d be happy to help.