Las Cruces, NM Animal Ordinances: Chickens & Livestock (2026)
Key Facts
- Small Livestock (under half-acre)
- 6 total
- Larger Lots
- 2,000 sq ft each, max 100
- Setback
- 35 ft from neighbor's dwelling
- Permit
- Special animal permit required
- Code
- Sec. 7-32B (Ord. 3091, 2025)
Summary
Las Cruces allows backyard poultry and small livestock with a special animal permit: lots under half an acre may keep up to six total small livestock animals, including chickens and ducks.
The following requirements are established for the keeping of small livestock animals such as, but not limited to, ducks, poultry, goats, sheep, and miniature horses/donkeys. The density per acre limitation for small livestock animals shall be as follows:
(1) For lots less than one-half acre, a total combined maximum of six such animals; and
(2) For lots greater than one-half acre, the minimum square footage of the open lot area, not including the dwelling unit, shall be 2,000 square feet for each small livestock animal, provided the total number of such animals shall not exceed 100 regardless of lot size.
( Ord. No. 3091 , § I(Exh. A), 4-7-25)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 33 | Land Development Code: Supplement 28).
Full Breakdown
Under Section 7-32B of the 2025 Animal Control Ordinance, ducks, poultry, goats, sheep, and miniature horses count as small livestock. Lots under one-half acre may keep a combined maximum of six; larger lots allow 2,000 square feet per animal up to 100. Large livestock like horses and cattle need at least a half-acre. Livestock cannot occupy front, side, or street-side setbacks and must stay 35 feet from a neighboring dwelling. A special animal permit under Section 7-31 is required, and crowing or odor can be cited as a nuisance under Section 7-18.
Violations & Fines
Keeping animals without a special permit, exceeding the six-animal limit, or violating setbacks draws a correction warning or citation under Section 7-45, with each day a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many chickens can I keep in Las Cruces?
Are roosters allowed?
Do I need a permit for backyard chickens?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Las Cruces
How Las Cruces compares: Best Cities for Backyard Chickens·Compare Las Cruces to another location·View the New Mexico animal ordinances overview
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