Coconino County, AZ Animal Ordinances: Chickens & Livestock (2026)
Key Facts
- County Zoning
- Sets district limits
- Open Range
- Fence-out (§3-1427)
- Flagstaff Hens
- Allowed, no roosters
- Predators
- Bears and lions
Summary
Backyard poultry and livestock are ordinary on Coconino County's large rural lots, where the zoning ordinance sets what each district allows. Much of the county is open range, and bears and mountain lions make secure enclosures essential.
An owner or occupant of land is not entitled to recover for damage resulting from the trespass of animals unless the land is enclosed within a lawful fence, but this section shall not apply to owners or occupants of land in no-fence districts.
Full Breakdown
Keeping hens, horses, goats, and cattle is a normal rural use across unincorporated Coconino County, subject to the zoning district that fixes lot size, setbacks, and animal counts; Flagstaff itself permits a limited backyard flock, roosters aside. Much of rural Arizona is open range under A.R.S. §3-1427: a fence-out system where a landowner who wants livestock kept off must fence them out, while designated no-fence districts flip that duty. Sanitation and containment are the owner's job, and a crowing rooster or manure odor can still be abated as a private nuisance. Black bears, mountain lions, and coyotes make predator-proof coops and night enclosures essential.
Violations & Fines
Animals kept outside what the zoning district allows can draw a county correction order. A persistent rooster or odor nuisance can be abated in civil court, and loose livestock exposes the owner to liability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep chickens or a horse?
Do I have to fence my animals?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Coconino County
How Coconino County compares: Best Cities for Backyard Chickens·Compare Coconino County to another location·View the Arizona animal ordinances overview
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