Am I Allowed to Have Chickens on my Property?

Before you build a coop and purchase your chicks, ensure chickens are allowed on your property. Some cities, counties, and homeowner’s associations (HOAs) restrict your ability to keep chickens or limit the number you’re allowed to have. They may also have rules on the setback and design of your coop or may allow you to have hens but no roosters. The best place to start is with local zoning requirements. 

Most of this information is available online, but it can be difficult to find or interpret, or in some cases may not be online at all. To look up your property's zoning code, you can follow these general instructions:

1. Determine if your property is located within city/town limits, or in an unincorporated area to know which zoning code will apply. This may be the “city” portion of your address, but it may not be if you are in an unincorporated county or census designated area. If you aren’t sure, check both sites in the second step to see where your address appears.
2. Locate the planning or zoning department website for your city/town/county. Most local governments have a department that handles planning and zoning. This section should have resources and tools for the public.
3. Locate the online zoning maps tool or address/parcel look up. Many municipalities provide interactive zoning maps where you can enter your property's address or parcel number to find its zoning designation. Look for a "Zoning Map" or "Interactive Map" option on the planning and zoning website. The zoning code may be provided in the form of a code (example, CR-1 or SR). You will need that code, and in some cases the officially listed square footage of your property (the lot size).
4. Check Zoning Ordinances. Once you know your zoning designation and lot size, access the zoning ordinance document for your area. This document outlines the zoning codes and regulations. This may be on the same website or included as a link when you look up your zoning code, or you may need to search for it (try a google search for “X county/city zoning code”). Find the zoning code within that document or website that applies to your property (example, CR-1 or SR). Chickens are considered livestock, and they may be included in the section that refers to general livestock, or they may have their own section separate from horses or other livestock. Be sure to read the entire zoning code pertaining to livestock. In addition to whether birds are allowed, it may specify what types/species/sexes, how many (which may be based in your lot size), setbacks for coops, manure or noise management or other restrictions.
5. Be aware that Homeowner Associations (HOAs) or deeds may have more limitations than zoning codes. 

If you’re still having trouble, Contact your local planning or zoning department. Staff can help you find your zoning code and provide the zoning ordinances to you. 

Pima County

For any address in Pima County:

1. Pima Zoning Search Page. Enter the number portion of your address into the "Street Address Number Search Box" and click "Search."
2. Scroll down to find your street address, then click on "Parcel info" on the left side of the screen.
3. Scroll to the section titled "100+ parcel details from GIS overlay analysis" and in the table select "Zoning."
4. Scroll down to the table titled "Zoning." Note under the table the listed parcel size in square feet for your address. The zoning codes that apply to your address will appear in the table as clickable links. Select the zoning code link (example: CR-1) to view the permitted uses for your zone. Be aware that HOAs or deed restrictions may be more restrictive than the zoning code.

Cochise County

Only for unincorporated Cochise County

Cochise ARC GIS – Use this to find the zoning code for your property.

Cochise County Zoning – Click on “Zoning/Permitted Use Table” (this is also linked for you when you click on your property in the map above).