Chickens & Livestock: Mesa vs Phoenix
How do chickens & livestock rules compare between Mesa, AZ and Phoenix, AZ?
Mesa and Phoenix have similar restriction levels.
Mesa, AZ
Maricopa County
Mesa regulates livestock on residential property through a point system in Title 6, Chapter 5. Fowl are limited to 10 per half acre, and larger animals use a points-per-acre formula where horses count as 1 point and smaller animals as 0.5 points.
View full Mesa rules →Phoenix, AZ
Maricopa County
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.
View full Phoenix rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Mesa | Phoenix |
|---|---|---|
| Fowl Limit | 10 per first half acre | - |
| Point System | 2 points for first acre | - |
| Horse/Cow | 1 point each | - |
| Goat/Sheep | 0.5 points each | - |
| 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)) |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Mesa FAQ
How many chickens can I have in Mesa?
You can keep up to 10 fowl on the first half acre. Each additional half acre allows 10 more. On lots over 2.5 acres, there is no limit on fowl.
Can I keep horses on my property in Mesa?
Yes, using the point system. Horses count as 1 point. You get 2 points for the first acre and 1 point per additional quarter acre. Miniature horses count as 0.5 points.
Phoenix FAQ
Can I keep chickens in Phoenix?
Yes. Phoenix Sec. 8-7 permits backyard poultry, but the enclosure must be at least 80 feet from any residence (unless written consent is obtained), cannot be in the front yard, and is limited to 20 head on the first half-acre.
Are roosters allowed in Phoenix?
Effectively no. Sec. 8-7(c) prohibits keeping male poultry except those incapable of making vocal noises that disturb the peace, comfort or health of residents, which bars crowing roosters.
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