Phoenix, AZ Animal Ordinances: Chickens & Livestock (2026)
Key Facts
- Code Section
- Phoenix City Code Sec. 8-7
- Setback from Residence
- 80 feet (waivable by written consent)
- Poultry Limit
- 20 head per first 0.5 acre
- Roosters
- Crowing male poultry prohibited (Sec. 8-7(c))
Summary
Phoenix allows backyard poultry but no poultry or rodents may be kept in an enclosure within 80 feet of any residence without written consent. Up to 20 head of poultry are allowed on the first half-acre, and crowing roosters are prohibited.
(a) Except as otherwise provided in this article, it is hereby declared to be a nuisance and it shall be unlawful for any person to keep rodents or poultry within the City. No poultry or rodents shall be kept in an enclosure within eighty feet of any residence within the City. Poultry may be kept within eighty feet of a residence if written permission consenting to the keeping of poultry less than eighty feet from a residence is first obtained from each lawful occupant and each lawful owner of such residence. Poultry shall not be kept in the front yard area of any lot or parcel within the City. ... (b) No more than twenty head of poultry nor more than twenty-five head of rodents nor more than twenty-five head comprising a combination of rodents and poultry shall be kept upon the first one-half acre or less. ... (c) No male poultry shall be kept within the City limits except such male poultry as are incapable of making vocal noises which disturb the peace, comfort or health of any person residing within the City.
Full Breakdown
Phoenix City Code Sec. 8-7(a) declares the keeping of poultry or rodents within 80 feet of any residence a nuisance unless written permission is obtained from each lawful occupant and owner of that residence; poultry may not be kept in a front yard and must be enclosed. Sec. 8-7(b) limits keeping to no more than 20 head of poultry (or 25 rodents, or 25 combined) on the first one-half acre, with an additional half-acre required per added increment, and no numeric limit above 2.5 acres. Sec. 8-7(c) bars male poultry capable of making disturbing vocal noises, effectively prohibiting crowing roosters. Larger livestock (cattle, horses, sheep, goats) is governed by the sanitation and nuisance rules of Sec. 8-8, with manure removal required at least twice weekly. 'Livestock' is defined in Sec. 8-1 as neat animals, horses, sheep, goats, swine, mules and asses.
Violations & Fines
Keeping poultry/rodents within 80 feet of a residence without consent, exceeding head limits, or keeping crowing roosters is a nuisance violation under Sec. 8-7; civil sanctions and abatement apply.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep chickens in Phoenix?
Are roosters allowed in Phoenix?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Phoenix
How Phoenix compares: Best Cities for Backyard Chickens·Compare Phoenix to another location·View the Arizona animal ordinances overview
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