Pima County allows chickens and small livestock on rural parcels without special permits. Zoning Code Chapter 18.51 governs animal keeping. Parcels 1 acre or larger (GR-1, SR zones) allow horses, cattle, goats, and poultry. Smaller residential lots may keep a limited number of hens but roosters may be restricted under nuisance provisions.
Pima County zoning districts determine the types and quantities of animals allowed. In rural zones (GR-1 and larger), there are few restrictions on chickens, ducks, goats, horses, and cattle. Parcels in CR-3 (36,000 sq ft minimum) and CR-5 (1/2 acre) zones may keep limited poultry and small animals subject to setback requirements for coops and enclosures. Setbacks for animal enclosures typically require 40-foot separation from neighboring dwellings for large animals and 20 feet for poultry housing. Roosters are not explicitly banned countywide but persistent crowing may trigger nuisance complaints under Chapter 9.30 (noise ordinance). The Pima Animal Care Center (PACC) provides guidance on animal welfare and responds to complaints. No county-level limit on hen count for parcels over 1 acre. HOA covenants may further restrict chickens in master-planned communities even where zoning permits them.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
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See how Pima County's chickens & livestock rules stack up against other locations.
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