Can I keep chickens in Phoenix, AZ?
Yes — Phoenix allows backyard chickens, up to 6 hens with no permit required. Roosters are prohibited, and coops must be at least 20 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (8-7, verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Yes |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | 6 |
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Permit required | No |
| Coop setback | 20 ft |
| Home slaughter | Not allowed |
| Coop rules | No poultry in front yard. Enclosure must prevent birds from wandering onto others' property. Coop must be maintained in sanitary condition. |
| Code section | 8-7 |
Up to 6 chickens allowed on first half-acre or less. No roosters except those incapable of making vocal noises. Poultry must be kept 20 feet from neighboring property line or 80 feet from any residence (with written permission to be closer). Phoenix Code 8-7 requires enclosure and sanitary conditions.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Phoenix?
Yes — chickens are allowed in Phoenix (8-7).
How many chickens can I keep in Phoenix?
Up to 6 hens.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Phoenix?
No — no permit is required for the base allowance in Phoenix.
Are roosters allowed in Phoenix?
No — roosters are prohibited in Phoenix.
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in Phoenix?
20 feet minimum. No poultry in front yard. Enclosure must prevent birds from wandering onto others' property. Coop must be maintained in sanitary condition.
Can I slaughter chickens at home in Phoenix?
No — slaughter is not permitted under Phoenix's code.
What law covers backyard chickens in Phoenix?
8-7. Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
8-7 — read the official code
“No more than six head of poultry...shall be kept upon the first one-half acre or less. 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.” source
“No poultry or rodents shall be kept in an enclosure within 20 feet of a neighboring property line.” source
Last verified June 13, 2026. Always confirm with your municipality — HOA rules can be stricter than city code. How we verify →
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