Chicken Laws by County in Arizona
Thinking about raising backyard chickens in Arizona? Whether you’re in the suburbs of Phoenix or a rural area in Pima County, knowing your local chicken laws is the first—and most important—step.
This article will walk you through chicken laws by county in Arizona, giving you a clear, detailed breakdown of what’s legal, what’s not, and how to start your flock the right way.
Are Backyard Chickens Legal in Arizona?
Yes, you can legally raise chickens in Arizona, but it depends entirely on your local county and city zoning laws. There’s no one-size-fits-all law in the state—each municipality sets its own rules regarding:
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Whether chickens are allowed in residential zones
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How many chickens you can have
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Whether roosters are allowed
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Coop placement and setbacks
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Permits or HOA restrictions
That means a homeowner in rural Maricopa County might have total freedom, while someone in a Phoenix suburb may face heavy restrictions—or even bans.
Why Chicken Laws Vary So Much in Arizona
Here’s why rules differ from place to place:
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Zoning classifications: Urban vs. rural zoning affects what’s allowed.
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HOAs and neighborhood covenants: These can be stricter than city laws.
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Population density: Higher-density areas tend to ban roosters and limit flock sizes.
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Wildlife and health codes: Some areas enforce sanitation and pest control standards due to the dry climate.
Before you buy chicks, use this chicken coop calculator to make sure your coop meets spacing requirements for your flock size and location.
Chicken Laws by Major Counties and Cities in Arizona
Let’s break it down by county, focusing on areas with the largest populations and most backyard chicken activity.
Maricopa County (Including Phoenix, Mesa, Scottsdale)
Are chickens allowed in Phoenix?
Yes, but only in certain zoning districts.
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Chickens are allowed in residential zones, but not all of them.
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Up to 5 hens allowed on lots under 10,000 sq ft.
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Roosters are not allowed in most residential areas.
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Coops must be at least 80 feet from neighbors’ homes unless written permission is provided.
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Chickens must be contained at all times and coops kept clean and odor-free.
Cities within Maricopa (like Glendale, Chandler, Tempe) often have their own specific chicken ordinances, so double-check local rules.
Pima County (Including Tucson)
Can you keep chickens in Tucson?
Yes, and the city is fairly chicken-friendly.
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Up to 24 chickens allowed on standard residential lots.
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Roosters are permitted, but noise complaints can lead to removal orders.
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No strict setback requirements, but the coop must be clean and humane.
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Chickens must not roam free and must be fenced in at all times.
Tucson recognizes backyard chickens as personal livestock, and many residents keep birds for both eggs and pest control.
Pinal County
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Backyard chickens are permitted in most residential and rural zones.
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Roosters are allowed in rural zones, but may be banned in subdivisions.
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There’s no county-wide hen limit, but incorporated towns (like Florence or Casa Grande) may set their own rules.
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Coops should be 25–50 feet from neighboring residences, depending on location.
This county is known for its agriculture-friendly zoning, making it a good option for aspiring chicken keepers.
Yavapai County (Including Prescott, Cottonwood)
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Chickens are generally permitted in unincorporated areas and low-density residential zones.
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Roosters are usually allowed in agricultural zones, but not in densely populated areas.
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No set flock limit at the county level.
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Coop placement must comply with setback and nuisance ordinances.
Prescott itself allows chickens in many zones, but check HOA rules—they often override city policies.
Coconino County (Including Flagstaff)
Can you keep chickens in Flagstaff?
Yes, with restrictions.
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Chickens are permitted in most residential areas.
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Roosters are not allowed within city limits.
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Up to 10 hens allowed for personal use.
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Coops must be placed in rear yards and 15–30 feet away from adjacent structures.
Coconino County’s colder climate also means coops must be well-insulated and secure against predators.
Yuma County
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Chickens are allowed in both residential and rural areas of unincorporated Yuma.
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Most cities within Yuma County allow up to 10 hens, but roosters are typically prohibited.
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Setback requirements range from 20 to 40 feet, depending on zone.
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Coops must be clean, fly-controlled, and properly maintained.
Due to the desert climate, pest and odor management are especially important in this region.
General Chicken Laws Across Arizona (What Most Counties Require)
While exact ordinances differ, here are the general rules you’ll find almost everywhere in Arizona:
| Regulation | Common Requirement |
|---|---|
| Roosters | Often banned in urban/residential zones |
| Flock Size | 5–10 hens allowed in most cities; unlimited in rural zones |
| Coop Setback | 20–80 feet from neighbors’ homes or property lines |
| Permits | Rare, but some cities require a zoning check or animal permit |
| Cleanliness | Coops must be sanitary and free of foul odors |
| Containment | Chickens must not be free-ranging outside fenced areas |
Always double-check with your local city planning office before setting up your flock.
Rural vs. Urban Chicken Laws: What’s the Difference?
Here’s how rules change based on your zoning:
Urban/Suburban Areas:
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Hen limits (usually 5–10)
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No roosters allowed
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Strict coop placement rules
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Higher chance of HOA restrictions
Rural/Unincorporated Areas:
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More freedom to raise chickens
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Roosters usually allowed
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Larger flocks permitted
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Fewer permit and placement restrictions
Want to plan your coop with confidence? Use this chicken coop calculator to see how much space your flock will legally need based on Arizona’s most common requirements.
How to Check Chicken Laws for Your Exact Location
Even within the same county, rules can vary based on whether you’re in a city, suburb, or rural zone. Here’s how to find the rules that apply to you:
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Look up your zoning: Use your city or county GIS map or contact the zoning office.
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Read municipal codes: Most city websites have searchable ordinance databases.
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Contact your HOA: If you live in a subdivision, the HOA may have its own rules.
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Call city hall: Get direct answers by talking to your city’s code enforcement or planning department.
Planning ahead helps avoid neighbor complaints or forced removals.
Building a Legal, Compliant Chicken Coop in Arizona
Regardless of the rules, you’ll want a coop that:
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Provides at least 3–4 square feet per chicken inside
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Offers 8–10 square feet per chicken in the outdoor run
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Has good ventilation and sun protection
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Is secure against predators
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Is placed in accordance with local setbacks
Use the chicken coop calculator to customize your coop layout by bird count and available space—while staying fully compliant.
Conclusion
Raising chickens in Arizona is absolutely possible—and incredibly rewarding—but only if you do it legally. With county and city ordinances varying so much, it’s essential to understand the specific rules where you live before setting up your coop.
Whether you’re in Phoenix, Tucson, or out in rural Yuma County, following the correct zoning laws ensures peace with neighbors and protection from fines.
Need help getting started? Calculate how much coop space your chickens need to stay compliant and build a healthy environment for your flock.
Backyard chickens are more than a trend in Arizona—they’re a lifestyle. Just make sure you’re doing it the right way.