Thinking about raising chickens in Arizona? You often can—but the rules change depending on your city or county. Some places limit the number of hens, ban roosters, or require setbacks and coop rules. Other places have more relaxed rules, especially in rural or agricultural zones. This guide will help explain how chicken laws work in Arizona’s major areas like Phoenix, Tucson, Mesa, Chandler, Gilbert, Scottsdale, and others.
State Law: A Key Change for Single‑Family Homes
In 2024, Arizona passed a state law that says cities and counties cannot ban backyard chickens at single‑family homes on lots that are one acre or smaller. They still can set limits like numbers of birds, roosters, coop size, setbacks, etc. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
That means if you live on a typical residential lot under one acre, the local government must allow chickens—though they can still regulate how and where they stay.
Phoenix (Maricopa County)
Phoenix allows backyard hens but with specific rules:
- On lots half‑acre or smaller, you can keep up to 20 hens. You can add another 20 for each additional half‑acre, up to no limit over 2½ acres. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
- Roosters are explicitly not allowed. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
- Your chicken enclosure must be at least 80 feet from the nearest residence—unless neighbors within 80 feet sign written permission. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
- Chickens must be contained; no free range that crosses property lines. Sanitation rules apply. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
Tucson (Pima County)
Tucson is more permissive:
- You may keep up to 24 hens. Do not keep roosters. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
- Coop must be at least 50 feet from another dwelling. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
- Maintain coop cleanliness. Odor or pests are enforced. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
- Pima County permits outside Tucson vary—some allow 8 hens on small lots, others more depending on zoning. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}
Mesa (Maricopa County)
Mesa also allows chickens under clear conditions:
- On lots under ½ acre (about 6,000 sq ft), you can keep up to 10 chickens (hens or roosters). Roosters allowed only if they don’t create noise complaints. :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}
- Coop must be at least 20 feet from any neighboring residence. :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}
- Use enclosed runs or coops; manage odor and waste. :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}
Chandler (Maricopa County)
Chandler has strict but clear rules since January 2023:
- Up to five hens per detached single‑family lot. Roosters are banned. :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}
- Coops must be in the rear or side yard and at least 5 ft from any property line. :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}
- Coop cannot exceed the height of the surrounding wall. If over 120 sq ft or taller, it’s treated as accessory building and needs building permit. :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}
- Manure must be removed at least twice per week; overall coop must be kept clean and maintained. :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}
- HOA rules still apply—if you’re in one, you must follow their restrictions even if city allows chickens. :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}
Gilbert (Maricopa County)
Gilbert allows hens in residential zones under basic rules:
- Up to five hens per lot. No roosters allowed. :contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}
- An enclosure must keep birds contained and odor controlled. :contentReference[oaicite:19]{index=19}
- Clean coop regularly, manage feed in rodent-proof containers. :contentReference[oaicite:20]{index=20}
Scottsdale (Maricopa County)
Scottsdale’s rules:
- Backyard chickens are allowed only on lots of 10,000 sq ft or more. Smaller lots generally cannot keep chickens. :contentReference[oaicite:21]{index=21}
- Up to five hens per property. Roosters are banned. :contentReference[oaicite:22]{index=22}
- Coops must be maintained so they don’t become a nuisance—no smell, noise, or health hazard. :contentReference[oaicite:23]{index=23}
Tempe (Maricopa County)
Tempe treats chickens as “small animals” in its code:
- Up to five hens allowed in all residential districts with single-family dwellings. Roosters prohibited except in agricultural zones. :contentReference[oaicite:24]{index=24}
- Coop must be secured, and keeping chickens in a way that disturbs neighbors is prohibited. :contentReference[oaicite:25]{index=25}
Surprise (Maricopa County)
Surprise allows backyard hens:
- Up to 25 chickens allowed on lots of one‑half acre. Roosters are generally not allowed. :contentReference[oaicite:26]{index=26}
- Enclosures must prevent birds from escaping and must not cause odor or health risks. :contentReference[oaicite:27]{index=27}
Sierra Vista (Cochise County)
Sierra Vista has clear city code standards:
- Residents may keep up to six hens. Roosters are not allowed. :contentReference[oaicite:28]{index=28}
- Coop/enclosure must be in rear or side yard, at least 20 ft from neighboring property. Max size 200 sq ft, max height 8 ft. :contentReference[oaicite:29]{index=29}
- Manure must be cleaned at least twice weekly and stored to avoid insects. Feed stored securely. No slaughtering on site. :contentReference[oaicite:30]{index=30}
Flagstaff (Coconino County)
Flagstaff allows small livestock including chickens:
- Up to five hens allowed on lots under 20,000 sq ft. Bigger lots may allow more. :contentReference[oaicite:31]{index=31}
- Permit required except in Estate and Rural Residential zones. :contentReference[oaicite:32]{index=32}
- Coops must provide at least 4 sq ft indoor and 10 sq ft outdoor per bird. Containment required. Roosters banned. :contentReference[oaicite:33]{index=33}
Other Cities & Rural Areas
Many smaller cities and rural areas in Arizona allow backyard chickens with fewer restrictions—especially in agricultural or rural residential zones. Places like Prescott Valley (~10 hens), Cottonwood (~12 hens), Yuma, Bullhead City, Kingman, Payson (10 hens), Show Low (10 hens), Eloy, Florence, and Apache Junction often allow hens without roosters. Some require minimal coop setbacks and cleanliness standards. :contentReference[oaicite:34]{index=34}
HOA rules may still override city rules, so always check those too.
Summary Table
| Location | Hens Allowed | Roosters? | Permit or Setbacks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phoenix | 20 per ½ acre, more allowed on larger | No | 80-ft setback or neighbor permission |
| Tucson | Up to 24 hens | No | 50-ft setback, clean coop required |
| Mesa | Up to 10 hens | Yes, if no noise | 20-ft setback, enclosed coop |
| Chandler | Up to 5 hens | No | Coop 5-ft from line, coop ≤120 sq ft |
| Gilbert | Up to 5 hens | No | Enclosure, odor control |
| Scottsdale | Up to 5 hens | No | Lot ≥10,000 sq ft, clean coop |
| Tempe | Up to 5 hens | No (AG zone only) | Residential only, no nuisance |
| Surprise | Up to 25 hens | No | ½-acre lot, enclosed coop |
| Sierra Vista | Up to 6 hens | No | 20-ft setback, clean and secure |
| Flagstaff | Up to 5 hens (<20k sq ft) | No | Permit often required, spacing rules |
Tips to Stay Legal
• Check your property zoning. Some rules only apply in city limits or certain zones.
• Always avoid roosters unless allowed in rural or agricultural zones.
• Know setback rules. Some cities require 5 ft, others up to 80 ft, or require neighbor permission.
• Coops often must stay under specific size or height unless you get permits.
• Clean coops and manage manure to avoid odor and pests. Many rules require twice‑weekly cleanup.
• HOAs may forbid chickens even if the city allows them. Review HOA covenants carefully.
Why These Rules Exist
Rules about backyard chickens help prevent noise complaints, smells, pests, and possible health issues. They also ensure proper spacing between dwellings and safe containment. Without local standards, chickens on small lots could create nuisance or safety issues—especially in denser neighborhoods.
Bottom Line
Thanks to state law, cities and counties in Arizona generally must allow backyard hens on normal residential lots under one acre. Still, they can regulate how many hens, where coops go, whether roosters are allowed, and how sanitary living must be. If you share your specific city or neighborhood, I can help you check the exact rules for your area.