Can I keep chickens in Tempe, AZ?
Yes — Tempe allows backyard chickens, up to 6 hens with no permit required. Roosters are prohibited, and coops must be at least 40 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (ZDC 3-404(I), verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Yes |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | 6 |
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Permit required | No |
| Coop setback | 40 ft |
| Home slaughter | Not allowed |
| Coop rules | Up to 6 domestic chickens allowed on single-family residential lots. No roosters or peafowl. Enclosure at least 10 feet from property line, 40 feet from neighboring residences. On lots less than 1 acre, enclosure no taller than fence/wall height. Must be clean and sanitary. |
| Code section | ZDC 3-404(I) |
Up to 6 domestic chickens allowed on single-family residential lots per Tempe ZDC 3-404(I). No roosters or peafowl. Enclosure must be at least 10 feet from property line and 40 feet from neighboring residences. On lots less than 1 acre, enclosure height limited to fence line. No permit required. Slaughtering prohibited.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Tempe?
Yes — chickens are allowed in Tempe (ZDC 3-404(I)).
How many chickens can I keep in Tempe?
Up to 6 hens.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Tempe?
No — no permit is required for the base allowance in Tempe.
Are roosters allowed in Tempe?
No — roosters are prohibited in Tempe.
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in Tempe?
40 feet minimum. Up to 6 domestic chickens allowed on single-family residential lots. No roosters or peafowl. Enclosure at least 10 feet from property line, 40 feet from neighboring residences. On lots less than 1 acre, enclosure no taller than fence/wall height. Must be clean and sanitary.
Can I slaughter chickens at home in Tempe?
No — slaughter is not permitted under Tempe's code.
What law covers backyard chickens in Tempe?
ZDC 3-404(I). Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
ZDC 3-404(I) — read the official code
“No more than six (6) domestic chickens are allowed on an individual lot. The keeping of roosters or peafowl is prohibited. Chicken enclosures shall be no taller than the height of the fence/wall line located on the property. Slaughtering of chickens is not allowed within the city limits of Tempe.” 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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