Can I Have Chickens In Arizona?

Backyard chickens have become a popular choice for many Arizona homeowners. With fresh eggs, natural pest control, and the simple joy of raising animals, it’s easy to see why so many people are drawn to keeping a few hens. But before you rush out to build a coop, it’s important to know what Arizona law says about backyard chickens. “Can I have chickens in Arizona?”

Let’s dive into the key questions you might have about owning chickens in the Grand Canyon State.

Is It Legal to Have Chickens in Your Backyard in Arizona?

The good news is that, yes, raising chickens is generally allowed in many parts of Arizona. However, there are rules and guidelines that you will need to follow, depending on where you live. Arizona doesn’t have one blanket law for the whole state. Instead, most of the control is left up to local cities and counties.

Some neighborhoods, especially those with Homeowners Associations (HOAs), may also have their own restrictions, so it’s wise to double-check before getting started.

Did the State of AZ Pass Bills On Chickens?

In 2017, Arizona passed a bill aimed at protecting the rights of residents to keep backyard chickens. Specifically, the legislation prevents municipalities from banning chickens altogether in residential zones where agriculture is a permitted use.

That said, the bill still allows local governments to regulate chickens based on things like:

• How many chickens can you have
• Where your chicken coop can be placed
• Whether roosters are allowed
• How large can your coop be

The law supports your right to keep chickens, but it doesn’t mean you can set up a full farm in your suburban backyard without following some guidelines.

Do You Need A Permit to Have Chickens in Arizona?

It depends. In most cases, if you’re keeping a small number of chickens for personal use, you won’t need a special permit. However, if you plan to sell eggs or meat commercially, you might need permits related to agriculture or health regulations.

Some cities require a minor permit if you build a larger coop or if your structure is too close to your property lines. Always check with your local building department to find out whether your setup requires formal approval.

How Many Chickens Can I Have in My Backyard in Arizona?

The number of chickens you can keep varies greatly depending on your local laws. Some cities let you keep a small flock of around 5 to 10 hens, while others may allow more if you have a larger property.

Keep in mind:

• Roosters are often prohibited in city limits because of noise concerns.
• Some places allow chickens only on lots larger than a certain size, like a half-acre or more.
• Coops must often be set back a certain distance from property lines or neighboring houses.

Can Chickens Handle Arizona Heat? 

Arizona’s desert climate can be harsh on chickens. With summer temperatures regularly soaring above 100°F, special care is necessary to keep your flock healthy.

Chickens are surprisingly resilient, but extreme heat can cause stress, lower egg production, and even be fatal if not properly managed. Shade, ventilation, and constant access to cool, clean water are absolute musts.

Some practical ways to help chickens beat the heat include:

• Providing shaded areas and misting systems
• Ensuring good airflow through coops
• Offering frozen treats like frozen watermelon or ice blocks

Arizona’s extreme summer heat can be tough on chickens, but The Hen House Collection’s wooden coops are built to help. Designed with excellent ventilation, these coops promote strong airflow, helping your flock stay cool even when temperatures climb past 100°F. With durable construction, shaded protection, and customizable features, our coops make it easy to give your chickens the safe, comfortable home they need to thrive in the desert heat.

Best Chickens For Arizona Heat

Not all chicken breeds handle the Arizona sun the same way. Some are much better suited for the hot, dry conditions than others.

Here are some top choices for Arizona backyard flocks:

• Leghorns: Known for their heat tolerance and excellent egg production.
• Rhode Island Reds: Hardy birds that do well in both cold and hot weather.
• Easter Eggers: Fun birds that lay colorful eggs and handle heat fairly well.
• Orpingtons: While they are a bit larger and need extra shade, they can adapt with proper care.
• Ancona: These active birds are great foragers and can handle hot temperatures.

Choosing heat-hardy breeds gives your flock the best chance of thriving year-round.

Chicken Laws By County in Arizona

Most counties in Arizona allow cities and towns to set their own regulations regarding backyard chickens. While state law prevents municipalities from outright banning chickens in certain zoning districts, local officials can still regulate factors like the number of chickens allowed, coop size and placement, and other requirements.

If you live within city or town limits, we recommend skipping this county list and instead checking directly with your local government to find out what rules apply to you.

For those in unincorporated areas, please refer to the chart below and contact the appropriate county official to determine which requirements apply to your property.

Chicken Laws By Cities in Arizona

Can You Have Chickens in Chandler, AZ?

Yes, you can have chickens in Chandler, Arizona, but there are a few important rules to follow. Homeowners living on single-family properties are allowed to keep up to five chickens, but they must be housed securely in a chicken coop located in the rear or side yard. The coop must be at least five feet away from any property line and cannot be taller than the surrounding property walls. 

Roosters are not allowed within city limits. If the chicken coop is larger than 120 square feet or is connected to utilities such as electricity or water, a building permit is required. Coops also need to follow accessory building rules, including setback requirements and height limits of no more than 15 feet. They cannot cover more than 30% of the backyard and must match the style and colors of the main home. 

To maintain a healthy environment, chicken waste must be cleaned out of the coop at least twice a week and removed from the property once a week. Structures must be kept in good repair, free of blight, and all exposed surfaces must be properly maintained with paint or protective materials if needed. Following these guidelines will keep your backyard flock happy, and keep you in good standing with Chandler city regulations.

Can You Have Chickens in Gilbert, AZ?

Yes, residents in Gilbert are allowed to keep backyard chickens. The number of hens you can have often depends on the size of your property, and roosters are not permitted in most residential areas. Gilbert places a strong emphasis on lot size when determining eligibility, so it’s important to confirm your parcel’s zoning before starting your flock.

Can You Have Chickens in Glendale, AZ?

Yes, you can have chickens in Glendale under certain conditions. The city allows small backyard flocks but places restrictions on the number of hens and the placement of coops. Roosters are typically banned within city limits, and homeowners must comply with minimum distance requirements between chicken enclosures and neighboring properties.

Can You Have Chickens in Mesa, AZ?

Yes, keeping chickens is allowed in Mesa, Arizona. However, there are property size requirements that you must meet, and roosters are not permitted in most residential neighborhoods. Residents should also follow guidelines regarding how far coops must be located from homes and property lines to maintain peace with neighbors.

Can You Have Chickens in Peoria, AZ?

Yes, chickens are permitted in Peoria, especially in low-density residential and agricultural zones. Peoria encourages small backyard flocks, but your ability to keep chickens will largely depend on your lot size and zoning category. Always double-check with the city to make sure you meet all necessary setbacks and coop requirements.

Can You Have Chickens in Phoenix, AZ?

Yes, you can keep chickens in Phoenix, but there are restrictions. You’re allowed up to six chickens on properties half an acre or smaller; more are allowed with written permission from neighboring property owners. Chickens must be kept at least 20 feet from property lines unless you get neighbor consent, and they’re not allowed in front yards. Roosters are only permitted if they don’t make loud noises. Coops must be clean and odor-free. Violations can lead to fines between $150 and $2,500 or a Class 1 misdemeanor.

Can You Have Chickens in Scottsdale, AZ?

Yes, you are allowed to keep backyard chickens in Scottsdale with some restrictions. Scottsdale enforces strict rules regarding the distance between coops and neighboring properties, and roosters are not typically allowed. Depending on your zoning, there may also be limits to how many hens you can keep, so it’s best to confirm specifics before getting started.

Can You Have Chickens in Surprise, AZ?

Yes, chickens are allowed in Surprise, Arizona, primarily in agricultural and rural residential zones. While many properties in Surprise can accommodate backyard chickens, there are still setback requirements and restrictions on roosters. Residents should review their zoning regulations to ensure they are fully compliant before setting up a chicken coop.

Can You Have Chickens in Tempe, AZ?

Yes, Tempe residents are permitted to keep backyard chickens under certain conditions. There are specific rules about how close chicken coops can be to neighboring structures and how many hens you can own. Like many cities, Tempe does not allow roosters in residential zones due to noise concerns.

Can You Have Chickens in Tucson, AZ?

Yes, Tucson is one of the more chicken-friendly cities in Arizona. Backyard chickens are allowed across most of the city, but there are guidelines on flock size and coop placement that must be followed. Tucson has embraced urban agriculture, making it easier for residents to responsibly raise chickens within city limits.

Looking For An Enclosure For Your Backyard Chickens in AZ?

If you’re planning to raise backyard chickens in Arizona, having the right coop is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. With the state’s intense heat and the ever-present risk of predators, your chickens need more than just a simple shelter, they need a strong, well-designed home. We offer handcrafted wooden chicken coops that are built to handle the demands of Arizona living. These coops provide excellent ventilation to help your flock stay cool in the hot summer months, while their sturdy construction keeps predators safely out.

Thoughtful designs make daily maintenance easier, and the shaded roosting areas offer your hens a comfortable place to relax and feel secure. In a climate as harsh as Arizona’s, a high-quality coop isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity. Protect your investment and give your chickens the safe, comfortable home they deserve with a beautifully crafted coop from The Hen House Collection.