Bernalillo County, NM Animal Ordinances: Chickens & Livestock (2026)
Key Facts
- Zoning
- Poultry/rabbits allowed in A-1, A-2, R-1 zones
- Pen setback
- 20 ft from dwellings and property lines
- Livestock density
- 10,000 sq ft/cow-horse; 4,000 sq ft/sheep-pig-goat
- Fowl care
- Feed/water fowl at least every 12 hours
- Scope
- Unincorporated county only, not Albuquerque
Summary
Unincorporated Bernalillo County's R-1 zoning allows raising poultry, rabbits, and livestock as a permitted use, but coops, pens, and corrals must sit at least 20 feet from any dwelling and any property line on small lots.
Agricultural activity, including...the raising of poultry or rabbits, dairy farming, livestock grazing, feeding, and the raising of livestock on lots containing three acres or more. On lots of less than three acres...any structure/building, pen, or corral where such animal is located is at least 20 feet from any existing dwelling unit. In addition, lots one-half acre or less shall maintain a 20' setback from any property line for any structure/building where such animal is located.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 92).
Full Breakdown
Bernalillo County's 1973 zoning ordinance lists the raising of poultry or rabbits and general livestock keeping as a permissive use in the A-1, A-2, and R-1 zones, which cover only the unincorporated county, not Albuquerque, which regulates chickens under its own Integrated Development Ordinance. On lots under three acres, each cow or horse needs 10,000 square feet and each sheep, pig, or goat needs 4,000 square feet; any pen, coop, or corral must sit at least 20 feet from an existing dwelling, plus 20 feet from any property line on lots of a half-acre or less. The animal code separately requires fowl be fed and watered at least every 12 hours.
Violations & Fines
Keeping livestock or poultry pens closer than the required setback, or below the per-acre density limits, is a zoning violation enforceable by the county; violating fowl feeding/watering rules is a misdemeanor under Sec. 6-70's general penalty.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep chickens in unincorporated Bernalillo County?
Do chickens count toward the cow/horse/sheep acreage limits?
Does this apply if I live in Albuquerque?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Bernalillo County
How Bernalillo County compares: Best Cities for Backyard Chickens·Compare Bernalillo County to another location·View the New Mexico animal ordinances overview
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