Sahuarita, AZ Animal Ordinances: Chickens & Livestock (2026)
Key Facts
- Roosters allowed only in
- RH, GR-1 zones
- R-1 through R-5 limit
- 24 per lot
- GR-1 limit
- 40 per acre
- MH zone limit
- 6 per lot
- Coop max size / height
- 200 sq. ft. / 8 ft.
- Coop setback
- 20 ft. from property line
Summary
Sahuarita allows chickens, rabbits, and other small animals as a noncommercial accessory home use under Town Code Section 18.12.030(M), but roosters are permitted only in the RH and GR-1 zones. R-1 through R-5 lots cap poultry at 24 per lot, GR-1 allows up to 40 per acre, and the MH zone caps out at six.
Poultry and Small Animals. All of the following apply: 1. The keeping of small animals such as rabbits and chickens, not for commercial purposes, is permitted as an accessory use to a home. 2. Roosters shall only be permitted in RH and GR-1 zones. 3. The number of poultry or small animals in GR-1 is limited to no more than 40 per acre, while R-1 through R-5 are limited to no more than 24 per lot. In the MH zone, the number of poultry or small animals is limited to six per lot. 4. A structure to house poultry or small animals shall be required in R1 through R-5 zones as well as in the MH zone. This structure shall be: ... b. Set back a minimum of 20 feet from any property line. c. A maximum area of 200 square feet with a maximum height of eight feet; provided, that any enclosure on a lot less than one acre in size is shorter than the fence line of the property. ... 5. Any manure or animal waste shall be picked up and disposed of or composted at least twice weekly.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4745395; v0 updated 2025-12-08; through 12-08-2025).
Full Breakdown
The keeping of small animals such as rabbits and chickens is permitted as an accessory use to a home as long as it is not for commercial purposes. Roosters are restricted to the RH and GR-1 zones, keeping crowing birds out of the town's tighter residential districts. Numeric caps follow the zone: GR-1 allows up to 40 poultry or small animals per acre, R-1 through R-5 lots are limited to 24 per lot, and manufactured home (MH) zone lots top out at six. In the R-1 through R-5 and MH zones, a housing structure is required and must sit in the rear or side yard, be set back at least 20 feet from any property line, cover no more than 200 square feet, stand no taller than eight feet, and be shorter than the fence line on any lot under an acre.
The structure must be fenced to keep animals from running at large. Manure and animal waste must be picked up and disposed of, or composted, at least twice a week, with composted manure kept in a way that prevents insects from breeding, and feed must be stored in insect-proof and rodent-proof containers.
Violations & Fines
Exceeding the per-lot poultry count, keeping a rooster outside the RH or GR-1 zone, or maintaining a noncompliant coop is a civil infraction under Town Code Section 18.95.030, enforced by the zoning administrator through inspection, written notice, and citation. Section 18.95.040 sets the penalty at up to $750 per day for an individual or $10,000 for a corporation, decided by the town magistrate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep a rooster in Sahuarita?
How many chickens can I keep on my Sahuarita lot?
Does my chicken coop need a permit or setback?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Sahuarita
How Sahuarita compares: Best Cities for Backyard Chickens·Compare Sahuarita to another location·View the Arizona animal ordinances overview
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