In unincorporated Maricopa County, keeping livestock and poultry is regulated by the zoning ordinance based on lot size and zoning district. Rural zones (RU-43, RU-190) permit livestock and poultry with no numerical limit provided the primary use remains residential or agricultural. Structures housing poultry must be at least 20 feet from property lines and 40 feet from neighboring dwellings. Manure must be managed to prevent fly breeding.
Unincorporated Maricopa County does not impose specific chicken or livestock ordinances in areas without zoning overlays, making backyard poultry generally permissible. Properties within zoning districts may restrict livestock based on lot size and land-use classification through Maricopa County Planning and Development at (602) 506-3301. Roosters are not separately regulated at the county level but may trigger nuisance complaints handled by the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office at (602) 506-1000. In the desert climate, coops require shade structures and misters to protect birds from summer heat above 110 degrees. Water access and manure management are critical given limited rainfall and septic system proximity.
Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact Maricopa County code enforcement directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.
Maricopa County, AZ
Maricopa County Department of Transportation establishes loading zones along unincorporated county roads using ARS section 28-873 authority. Yellow-curb comm...
Maricopa County, AZ
Arizona Revised Statutes section 28-873 lets Maricopa County paint curbs to mark parking restrictions but does not lock in color meanings. The county Departm...
Maricopa County, AZ
Unincorporated Maricopa County applies Arizona Revised Statutes Section 36-1637, which requires an approved smoke detector in each new residential housing un...
Maricopa County, AZ
Unincorporated Maricopa County allows two tiers of home-based business under the Maricopa County Zoning Ordinance: low-intensity 'residential home occupation...
Maricopa County, AZ
Unincorporated Maricopa County imposes no cap on the number of nights a short-term or vacation rental may operate. Arizona Revised Statutes Section 11-269.17...
Maricopa County, AZ
Federal HUD and EPA Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) rules govern lead-hazard work in pre-1978 rentals. Arizona ARS 33-1338 requires written disclosure ...
See how Maricopa County's chickens & livestock rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.