Can I keep chickens in Phoenix, AZ?
Yes — Phoenix allows backyard chickens, up to 6 hens with no permit required. Roosters are prohibited, and coops must be at least 20 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (8-7, verified September 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Yes |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | 6 |
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Permit required | No |
| Coop setback | 20 ft |
| Home slaughter | Not allowed |
| Coop rules | No poultry in the front yard. Enclosure at least 20 feet from a neighboring property line (closer only with written consent of adjoining owners and occupants). Enclosure must keep birds from wandering onto other property and be kept free of offensive odor. |
| Code section | 8-7 |
Phoenix allows up to 6 head of poultry (or 25 rodents, or 25 combined) on the first half-acre or less, with more allowed with written consent of every adjoining owner and occupant; another half-acre is required for each additional 20 poultry, and above 2.5 acres the count is unlimited (City Code Sec. 8-7). Enclosures must be at least 20 feet from a neighboring property line unless the neighbors consent in writing, and poultry may not be kept in the front yard. Male poultry are banned unless incapable of making noise that disturbs anyone. No permit required.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Phoenix?
Yes — chickens are allowed in Phoenix (8-7).
How many chickens can I keep in Phoenix?
Up to 6 hens. Tiered by lot size: 6 up to 21,780 sq ft; 26 up to 43,560 sq ft; 46 up to 65,340 sq ft; 66 up to 87,120 sq ft; 86 up to 108,900 sq ft.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Phoenix?
No — no permit is required for the base allowance in Phoenix.
Are roosters allowed in Phoenix?
No — roosters are prohibited in Phoenix.
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in Phoenix?
20 feet minimum. No poultry in the front yard. Enclosure at least 20 feet from a neighboring property line (closer only with written consent of adjoining owners and occupants). Enclosure must keep birds from wandering onto other property and be kept free of offensive odor.
Can I slaughter chickens at home in Phoenix?
No — slaughter is not permitted under Phoenix's code.
What law covers backyard chickens in Phoenix?
8-7. Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
8-7 — read the official code
“No more than six head of poultry...shall be kept upon the first one-half acre or less. No male poultry shall be kept within the City limits except such male poultry as are incapable of making vocal noises which disturb the peace, comfort or health of any person residing within the City.” source
“B. No more than six head of poultry nor more than 25 head of rodents nor more than 25 head comprising a combination of rodents and poultry shall be kept upon the first one-half acre or less. More than six head of poultry may be kept on a lot that is one-half acre or less in size if written permission consenting to the keeping of more than six head of poultry is first obtained from each lawful occupant and each lawful owner of any adjoining lot or parcel of land... An additional one-half acre shall be required for each additional 20 head of poultry” source
“C. No male poultry shall be kept within the City limits except such male poultry as are incapable of making vocal noises which disturb the peace, comfort or health of any person residing within the City.” source
“No poultry or rodents shall be kept in an enclosure within 20 feet of a neighboring property line.” source
Last verified September 6, 2026. Always confirm with your municipality — HOA rules can be stricter than city code. How we verify →
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