Maricopa County Chickens & Livestock Rules (2026) — What You Need to Know

Maricopa County's approach to livestock and chicken keeping in unincorporated areas is largely governed by the Maricopa County Zoning Ordinance (MCZO) and Department Directive DD-2017-05, which ensures consistent treatment of agricultural and equestrian uses across Rural zoning districts.

In Rural zoning districts, the keeping of farm animals such as chickens, goats, and other livestock is considered incidental to a single-family residence or farm. This means chickens and similar farm animals are generally permitted as an accessory use without requiring a special use permit, subject to the conditions outlined in the Use Regulations of Chapters 5 and 6 of the MCZO (Sections 501.2 and 601.2).

For larger agricultural operations, MCZO Article 1304 provides a significant exemption: the ordinance does not prevent, restrict, or otherwise regulate the use or occupation of land for grazing or general agricultural purposes if the tracts are five or more contiguous commercial acres in size. A "commercial acre" is defined as 35,000 square feet as categorized by the Assessor's Office, not the standard 43,560-square-foot acre.

Horses are a common concern in Maricopa County. The keeping of horses is allowed on lots that are at least one acre in size, with up to three horses permitted on one acre. Additional horses are allowed at a rate of one additional horse per 3,000 square feet of lot area above one acre. Higher-intensity agricultural uses, including commercial breeding, raising, and grazing of cattle, sheep, goats, ostriches, and swine, require that pens, buildings, corrals, and similar structures be located at least 200 feet from any residential, commercial, or industrial district.