Tempe allows backyard chickens in residential zones with restrictions. The city's zoning code and animal ordinances regulate the keeping of livestock and poultry. Hens are generally permitted with limits on numbers; roosters are prohibited due to noise. Coops must meet setback requirements and sanitation standards. Larger livestock requires agricultural or rural zoning.
Tempe permits backyard chickens (hens only) in residential zoning districts with limitations on the number of birds allowed. Roosters are prohibited in residential zones due to the crowing noise nuisance. Chicken coops and enclosures must be maintained in sanitary condition, set back from property lines per zoning requirements, and must not create odor or pest nuisances that affect neighbors. Larger livestock such as goats, horses, and pigs generally require larger lots with agricultural or equestrian zoning designations. The city's code compliance division enforces animal-related violations based on community complaints. All animals must be properly contained and cannot run at large. Tempe's urban environment and proximity to ASU mean that many residential neighborhoods have smaller lots where livestock keeping is more restricted. Some areas of south Tempe with larger lots may have more permissive livestock provisions.
Keeping prohibited animals or exceeding permitted numbers may result in code enforcement citations and orders to remove animals. Nuisance violations carry fines.
Tempe, AZ
Tempe regulates industrial noise through Chapter 20 (Noise) of the City Code and the Zoning and Development Code. Industrial uses must not generate noise exc...
Tempe, AZ
Tempe addresses barking dogs under both the noise ordinance (Chapter 20) and animal control regulations. Dogs that bark persistently and disturb neighbors ca...
Tempe, AZ
Tempe requires vehicles to park on approved hard surfaces such as concrete or asphalt driveways. Parking on dirt, gravel, or landscaped areas is prohibited. ...
Tempe, AZ
Tempe generally does not require a building permit for standard residential fences up to 6 feet in height. Fences exceeding 6 feet, masonry walls, and fences...
Tempe, AZ
Tempe's Zoning and Development Code regulates fence materials in residential zones. Common permitted materials include block, stucco, wrought iron, wood, vin...
Tempe, AZ
Tempe's zoning code limits residential fence heights to 6 feet in side and rear yards and 3 feet in front yards. Corner lots may have additional visibility t...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Maricopa County.
See how other cities in Maricopa County handle chickens & livestock.
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