There are several cities and towns in Arizona that permit the keeping of backyard chickens so residents can skip high egg prices and get fresh eggs directly from the source. However, Arizona cities that allow backyard chickens have local ordinances that limit the number of chickens a resident can keep in their backyard.
So prior to acquiring any chicken in your city, it is important to first check your local animal laws to know the number of chickens that are allowed per property. With that in mind, below are some Arizona cities in which residents can keep chickens in their backyards.
Maricopa County, AZ
In Maricopa County, AZ, the city of Phoenix allows backyard chickens so long as you have written permission from your neighbors. If your neighbors do not object, you can have up to twenty backyard chickens on your property. However, Phoenix does not allow roosters. In the city of Mesa, residents are allowed to have up to 10 backyard chickens, excluding roosters, on properties of less than ½ acre.
The city of Chandler permits its residents to own up to 5 chickens, excluding roosters, on detached single-family dwelling lots. Chandler City requires that chicken coops be kept at least five feet away from rear and side yard property lines. Scottsdale residents can have backyard hens so long as they’re not a nuisance. The city of Glendale allows backyard chickens but the number of chickens you can own depends on property zoning. For instance, you can have as many chickens and/or roosters as can care for if you reside in an area zoned for agriculture in Glendale.
A maximum of 5 backyard hens are permitted in the cities of Gilbert and Tempe. If you reside in Surprise, Maricopa County, AZ, you are allowed to keep up to 25 chickens per half-acre. Residents living in agricultural and rural areas in Buckeye are allowed to have chickens.
Some cities in Maricopa County, AZ, that do not allow backyard chickens include but are not limited to:
- Fountain Hills
- Sun City
- Avondale
- Goodyear
Pima County, AZ
A few cities and towns in Pima County, Arizona, allow backyard chickens. In the city of Tucson, residents can have up to 24 chickens, excluding roosters, in their backyards. The towns of Marana, Sahuarita, and Oro Valley in Pima County allow backyard chickens.
Pinal County, AZ
In Pinal County, AZ, the city of Apache Junction allows a maximum of 2 chickens per 1,500 square feet of property. Roosters are not allowed in Apache Junction. The city of Florence allows backyard chickens (no roosters) so long as the owner does not allow them to run at large. The city of Eloy allows chickens depending on zoning districts. Coolidge residents can have backyard chickens but must keep them from running at large.
Other Arizona Cities and Towns That Allow Backyard Chickens
- Prescott Valley: 10 chickens
- Cottonwood: 12 hens
- Lake Havasu City
- Bullhead City
- Kingman
- Fort Mohave
- Yuma
- Flagstaff
- Sierra Vista
- Show Low: Ten chickens
- Payson: Ten hens
- Quartzsite
