Buckeye, AZ Animal Ordinances: Chickens & Livestock (2026)
Key Facts
- Max hens
- 6 fowl per single-family detached residence (ADUs excluded)
- Roosters
- Prohibited - no male fowl
- Coop setback
- At least 20 feet from neighboring property line; rear or side yard
- Coop size
- Max 200 sq ft, roofed, max 8 ft tall
- Maintenance
- Manure cleaned/composted at least twice weekly; rodent-proof feed storage
- Other livestock
- Allowed only where the Development Code zoning permits (City Code 6-1-8)
Summary
Buckeye allows up to six backyard fowl (hens) per single-family detached home under its Development Code, with no roosters. The coop must sit in the rear or side yard at least 20 feet from a neighbor's line, be roofed, and not exceed 200 square feet or 8 feet tall. Other livestock is allowed only where zoning permits.
A single-family detached residence may keep up to six fowl in the backyard of the property. ADUs do not qualify for additional fowl.3.Fowl must be kept in an enclosure located in the rear or side yard of the property and at least 20 feet from a neighboring property line. The enclosure must not exceed 200 square feet in area and must have a roof. The height of the enclosure must not exceed the height of the required perimeter fence line of the property, but in no instance shall the enclosure exceed eight feet. The required perimeter fence shall not exceed a height of six feet. If the perimeter fence is located within the buildable area of the lot, it cannot exceed eight feet in height.4.Enclosures shall be maintained and manure picked up and disposed of or composted at least two times a week. Composted manure shall be kept in a manner that prevents migration of insects.5.No male fowl may be kept, including roosters.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 22 Update 1).
Full Breakdown
Buckeye City Code section 6-1-8 (Keeping Livestock and Poultry) makes it unlawful to keep livestock - 'horses, mules, cattle, burros, goats, sheep, swine, asses, pigs or poultry' - within the city limits 'except as provided by the city development code,' so the substantive rules live in Chapter 7 (Development Code). The Development Code carves out a backyard-fowl exception that mirrors Arizona's 2024 state law: a single-family detached residence 'may keep up to six fowl in the backyard of the property' ('fowl' means a cock or hen of the domestic chicken), and ADUs do not qualify for additional fowl.
The enclosure must be in the rear or side yard and 'at least 20 feet from a neighboring property line,' must not exceed 200 square feet, must have a roof, and must not exceed 8 feet in height. ' Fowl are prohibited from running at large, manure must be cleaned and disposed of or composted at least twice a week, water must have overflow drainage, and feed must be stored in insect- and rodent-proof containers. ) is allowed only where the development code's zoning permits it. limits, which bar municipalities from banning up to six fowl on single-family lots of one-half acre or less.
Violations & Fines
Keeping prohibited livestock/poultry, exceeding the fowl limit, or keeping roosters violates Chapter 6 and Chapter 7; livestock or poultry running at large may be impounded by the enforcement agent, and violations are subject to the city code's general penalties.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many chickens can I keep in Buckeye, and can I have a rooster?
Where does the chicken coop have to go?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Buckeye
How Buckeye compares: Best Cities for Backyard Chickens·Compare Buckeye to another location·View the Arizona animal ordinances overview
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