In 2024, Arizona passed a landmark bill that reshaped the way cities and towns regulate backyard chickens. Signed into law by Governor Katie Hobbs, House Bill 2325 guarantees the right of single-family homeowners across the state to keep hens. The law overrides restrictive city ordinances and creates a consistent standard, while still leaving room for reasonable local regulation.
This guide explores the details of the new law, its impact on communities, and what Arizona homeowners should know if they want to keep chickens legally.
1. Why Arizona Passed a New Chicken Law
Before HB 2325, rules about backyard chickens were a confusing patchwork. Some cities, like Phoenix, permitted hens with certain restrictions, while others banned them outright—even if homeowners had large enough lots. These differences frustrated families who wanted to raise hens for eggs, sustainability, and food security.
With rising egg prices, greater awareness of local food systems, and growing interest in sustainable living, legislators saw the need for a clear statewide policy. HB 2325 was crafted to ensure that every single-family homeowner in Arizona has the right to keep hens, regardless of local bans.
2. Key Provisions of HB 2325
The law took effect in the summer of 2024 and includes several major provisions:
- Right to keep hens: All single-family homeowners may keep up to 6 hens.
- No roosters: Roosters are prohibited due to noise and nuisance concerns.
- Statewide standard: Cities and towns cannot pass ordinances banning hens altogether.
- Reasonable local regulation: Municipalities may still regulate coop placement, setbacks, cleanliness, and animal welfare standards.
3. What the Law Does Not Cover
While the new law creates a clear baseline, there are limits:
- HOAs: The law does not override homeowners’ association covenants. HOAs can still ban chickens if their governing documents prohibit them.
- Multifamily housing: Apartments, condos, and duplexes are not covered—only single-family residences.
- Egg sales: The law is aimed at personal household use, not commercial egg production or sales.
4. Summary Table: Arizona Chicken Law at a Glance
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Effective Date | Summer 2024 |
| Maximum Hens Allowed | 6 hens per property |
| Roosters | Not permitted |
| Applies To | Single-family residences statewide |
| HOAs | Can still restrict or ban hens |
| Local Authority | Cities may regulate coops, setbacks, sanitation, and welfare—but not ban hens outright |
5. Impact on Arizona Cities
The new law preempts restrictive city ordinances. For example, in cities that previously banned backyard chickens outright, such as Mesa or Scottsdale, homeowners now have the right to keep up to six hens. Cities like Phoenix that already permitted hens continue to regulate setbacks and coop designs, but they cannot reduce the number of hens below six or prohibit them entirely.
Local governments are now focused on updating ordinances to comply with the state law, often shifting their attention to enforcement of nuisance and sanitation issues rather than outright bans.
6. Why Roosters Are Still Banned
Roosters are infamous for early-morning crowing, which can disrupt neighborhoods, especially in denser urban or suburban areas. The legislature decided to prohibit roosters statewide to avoid conflicts between chicken keepers and their neighbors, while still granting the right to keep hens for egg production.
7. Benefits for Homeowners
- Egg security: Six hens can produce 20–30 eggs a week—enough for most families.
- Sustainability: Chickens reduce food waste by eating kitchen scraps and provide nutrient-rich manure for gardens.
- Education: Families with children can use hens as a hands-on learning experience in responsibility and agriculture.
- Community connection: Sharing eggs often builds goodwill with neighbors.
8. Responsibilities for Chicken Owners
With the right to keep hens comes the responsibility to do so respectfully. Owners should:
- Keep coops clean and odor-free.
- Store feed in rodent-proof containers.
- Maintain secure coops to protect hens from predators.
- Follow any local coop setback requirements and city sanitation codes.
- Communicate with neighbors to avoid conflicts.
9. Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep more than 6 hens?
No. The law caps the number at 6 per single-family property.
What if my HOA bans chickens?
HOA restrictions remain valid. The law does not override HOA covenants.
Do I need a permit?
No statewide permit is required, but some cities may require a basic registration or inspection to ensure compliance with coop and setback rules.
Can I sell eggs from my hens?
The law is designed for personal use. Selling eggs may require additional licensing or inspection under state food safety laws.
10. Final Thoughts
Arizona’s new chicken law marks a big win for food freedom and sustainability. For the first time, single-family homeowners across the state have a guaranteed right to keep backyard hens, without being blocked by restrictive city ordinances. With that freedom, however, comes responsibility: proper care, sanitation, and respect for neighbors remain essential.
By following best practices and understanding both state law and any local regulations, Arizona residents can enjoy the benefits of backyard chickens while maintaining harmony in their communities.