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Yavapai County, AZ Animal Ordinances: Chickens & Livestock (2026)

Some Restrictions

Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Small-lot limit: 8 chickens per lot under 70,000 sq ft
Setback: Coop 15 feet from all property lines
Roosters: Prohibited on small lots
Large-lot limit: 8 chickens per acre (Category C)
Swine cap: 5 total per parcel, any lot size
Source: Zoning Ordinance §410.G.1 & §501.D

Summary

Unincorporated Yavapai County lets homeowners keep up to eight chickens per lot as an accessory use under the R1L zoning district, so long as the coop sits at least fifteen feet from every property line and no rooster is kept. Lots of at least 70,000 square feet fall under the county's general Allowed Animal Chart instead, which sets chicken density at eight birds per acre.

City-specific rules exist: Sedona has its own chickens & livestock rules that differ from Yavapai County's county-level regulations. If you live in Sedona, check the city-specific page instead.

1. Farm animals on lots of no less than seventy thousand (70,000) square feet for the convenience and pleasure of the lot occupants, not to exceed the number allowed as per the Allowed Animal Chart (Section 501 E.) except swine shall not exceed five (5) total per parcel. Stables, barns, or structures for sheltering or feeding animals must observe the same setbacks or yards as the dwelling unit. a. Non-commercial keeping of chickens on lots less than seventy thousand (70,000) square feet. Subject to the following development criteria: (1) Number of chickens limited to eight (8) per lot. (2) Location of containment areas must be at least fifteen (15) feet from all property lines. (3) Roosters are prohibited. (4) All structures shall be kept in a neat and slightly manner and shall be controlled from refuse, manure, and other nuisances at all times. Storage of feed, equipment and other material related to such animals shall be entirely within an enclosed building.

View official code

Full Breakdown

D, chickens fall in "Category C" with turkeys, geese, ducks and rabbits, allowed at eight animals per acre or fraction thereof; larger livestock is capped at two per acre for cattle, bison and horses, or five per acre for goats, sheep and llamas. Stables, barns or other structures for sheltering or feeding animals must observe the same yard setbacks as the dwelling itself. These are zoning standards enforced by the Land Use Specialist, not a separate health-department license.

Violations & Fines

Keeping more than eight chickens on a small lot, keeping a rooster, or placing a coop closer than fifteen feet to a property line is a zoning violation under Section 206. Each day of noncompliance is a separate offense, carrying a civil fine up to $750 for an individual or $10,000 for an entity, or prosecution as a Class 2 misdemeanor. The Land Use Specialist can also require removal of noncomplying structures or animals.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many backyard chickens can I keep on a normal-size lot in unincorporated Yavapai County?

Up to eight, under Section 410.G.1.a of the County Zoning Ordinance, as long as your lot is smaller than 70,000 square feet. The containment area has to sit at least fifteen feet from every property line, and feed and equipment must be stored inside an enclosed building.

Are roosters allowed?

No. Section 410.G.1.a states plainly that "Roosters are prohibited" for non-commercial chicken keeping on any lot under 70,000 square feet in the R1L or RCU District. There is no exception for a single rooster, a small flock, or a temporary or seasonal arrangement of any kind.

What if my property is a couple of acres?

Once a lot reaches 70,000 square feet, about 1.6 acres, it falls under the general Allowed Animal Chart in Section 501.D instead of the small-lot chicken rule, which places chickens in "Category C" at eight animals per acre, alongside turkeys, geese, ducks and rabbits.

Do I need a permit to keep chickens?

No separate permit is required for keeping chickens within these limits; the rule is a zoning standard enforced by the Land Use Specialist, not a state or health department license. Exceeding the numeric or setback limits is treated as a zoning violation under Section 206.

Sources & Official References

[1]Yavapai County Planning and Zoning Ordinance (PDF)

Other rules in Yavapai County

Fence Regulations: Height LimitsSome Restrictions Parking Rules: RV & Boat ParkingSome Restrictions Veterinary Clinic ZoningSome Restrictions Wildlife FeedingSignificant Restrictions Bird ProtectionSome Restrictions Parking Rules: Loading ZonesSome Restrictions Parking Rules: Driveway RulesSome Restrictions Parking Rules: Abandoned VehiclesSome Restrictions Parking Rules: Commercial & Oversized VehiclesSome Restrictions

All Yavapai County rules

How Yavapai County compares: Best Cities for Backyard Chickens·Compare Yavapai County to another location·View the Arizona animal ordinances overview

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Chickens & Livestock in Cities Across Yavapai County

Sedona, AZ