Arizona adopted a statewide rule in 2024 that protects the right of many homeowners to keep a small backyard flock.
The law (House Bill 2325) stops cities and counties from banning backyard chickens outright at single‑family homes on smaller lots, while still letting local governments set reasonable conditions.
Below is a clear, practical breakdown you can use before you build a coop or bring home your hens.
What the State Guarantees
- Baseline right: If you live in a single‑family detached home on a lot that is ½ acre or less, your city or county cannot prohibit you from keeping chickens in your backyard.
- Flock size baseline: The statute protects the right to keep up to six (6) fowl in the backyard. (Local governments can allow more, but not fewer than zero via a ban.)
- State preemption: The law amends municipal and county zoning statutes so the right applies across Arizona, not just in a few cities.
What Cities & Counties Can Still Regulate
While the state set the floor, local governments can add practical rules. The law specifically allows cities and counties to adopt requirements such as:
- Male fowl (roosters): Local ordinances may prohibit roosters because of noise.
- Where the coop goes: Requiring an enclosure in the rear or side yard, and setting a setback (often 20 feet) from neighboring property.
- Size and height limits: Capping an enclosure at around 200 sq ft and a maximum height of 8 ft.
- Cleanliness & pests: Requiring the enclosure to be maintained and manure removed/composted on a regular schedule (commonly at least twice weekly), along with sensible feed storage to deter rodents and insects.
Important: These are examples of rules your city may adopt under the state law; they are not automatically the same everywhere. Always check your local code.
HOAs and Private Rules
Homeowners’ associations (HOAs) are private governing bodies. The state law restricts what cities and counties can do, but it does not rewrite your CC&Rs.
If your HOA covenants ban chickens, that private restriction can still be enforceable. Read your CC&Rs and talk to your board or management company before you proceed.
Who Is Covered (and Who Isn’t)?
- Covered: Single‑family detached homes on lots that are ½ acre or less.
- Not automatically covered: Properties outside that definition (e.g., larger lots, multifamily, townhomes, condos). Many of those locations already allow poultry under existing zoning, but rules vary widely—confirm locally.
When Did It Take Effect?
The bill was signed in May 2024 and took effect later in 2024 (Arizona’s general effective date for that session).
Since then, cities have been updating—or clarifying—their codes to match the state baseline while adding any local conditions they choose.
Practical Checklist Before You Get Chickens
- Confirm your zoning: Make sure your home is a single‑family detached residence on ≤ ½ acre.
- Read local rules: Look for number limits (baseline six hens), rooster policy (often prohibited), setbacks (e.g., 20 ft), enclosure size/height (e.g., 200 sq ft / 8 ft), and sanitation schedules (e.g., twice weekly).
- Check your HOA: Review CC&Rs and ask the board/manager for written guidance.
- Design the coop: Rear/side yard placement, predator‑resistant materials, shade and ventilation, easy‑clean flooring, and secure feed storage.
- Plan for sanitation: A simple routine (e.g., remove droppings frequently, refresh bedding, compost properly) keeps odors and pests in check.
Quick Summary Table
| Topic | What the New Law Says | What to Do |
|---|---|---|
| Right to Keep Chickens | Cities/counties cannot ban backyard chickens for single‑family detached homes on ≤ ½‑acre lots. | Verify your property type and lot size. |
| Number of Birds | State baseline protects up to six fowl in the backyard. | Start with six or fewer unless your city allows more. |
| Roosters | Not banned statewide; cities may prohibit male fowl. | Assume roosters are not allowed unless your city says otherwise. |
| Coop Placement | Cities may require rear/side yard placement and a setback (often 20 ft). | Measure from property lines; sketch your layout before building. |
| Size & Height | Local rules may cap enclosures around 200 sq ft and 8 ft high. | Confirm limits and plan dimensions up front. |
| Cleanliness | Local codes may require routine maintenance (commonly twice weekly). | Set a cleaning schedule; store feed in rodent‑proof containers. |
| HOAs | State law doesn’t override private CC&Rs. | Get written confirmation from your HOA before you proceed. |
FAQs
Does the new law let me keep chickens anywhere in Arizona?
It prevents cities and counties from banning chickens at single‑family detached homes on ≤ ½‑acre lots. Other property types still depend on local zoning, and HOAs can set stricter private rules.
Is the limit always six hens?
The law protects the right to keep up to six fowl as a statewide baseline. A city can permit more, but it cannot use zoning to take your right down to zero via a ban.
Are roosters banned statewide?
No. The state law does not impose a blanket rooster ban. However, it allows cities/counties to prohibit male fowl, and many do.
Do I have to place the coop 20 feet from neighbors and clean twice a week?
Those are examples of conditions a city may adopt under the law. Some cities use those exact numbers; others differ. Check your local ordinance to be sure.
When did the law take effect?
It was signed in May 2024 and became effective later in 2024 for that legislative session. If your city updated its code afterward, those local rules now apply alongside the state baseline.
Does my HOA have to allow chickens?
Not necessarily. HOA CC&Rs are private agreements and can still restrict or ban chickens even if the city cannot.
Bottom Line
Arizona’s new law makes backyard chickens possible at many single‑family homes by blocking city or county bans and setting a baseline right to keep up to six birds.
The details—roosters, setbacks, enclosure size, and cleaning schedules—can still come from your local code, and your HOA’s rules may be stricter.
Check your ordinance, read your CC&Rs, and plan a clean, well‑placed coop so you can enjoy fresh eggs without running afoul of the rules.
Note: This summary reflects HB 2325’s framework (municipal/county preemption for single‑family detached homes on ≤ ½‑acre lots; baseline up to six fowl; local authority to regulate roosters, setbacks, size, and sanitation). Always verify current local requirements before building.