Can I Have Chickens on My Property?

Guide
Authors
Ashley Wright
Publication Date: November 2024

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. 

Jump To:

Checking zoning codes

  1. Determine your jurisdiction. Find out whether your property is inside city or town limits or in an unincorporated area. This isn’t always obvious based on your mailing address. If you're unsure, your planning/zoning department’s website often provides tools to help you identify your jurisdiction.
  2. Visit your local planning/zoning website. Most local governments have a website for their planning or zoning department. These sites typically offer resources such as interactive maps, address or parcel lookup tools, and zoning codes.
  3. Use online zoning tools. Locate and use an online zoning map or address/parcel lookup tool. Look for words like "Zoning Map" or "Interactive Map." Enter your property address or parcel number to find your zoning designation (e.g., CR-1, SR). You may also need to know your property’s lot size or square footage.
  4. Review zoning ordinances. Once you know your zoning designation, find the corresponding zoning ordinance or code. This may be linked directly from the map tool or listed on the website. If not, try searching online for “[Your city/county] zoning code.”
    1. Look for sections related to livestock or poultry. Chickens may be covered under general livestock rules or in a separate section.
    2. Check restrictions on the number of birds, allowed species or sexes, required setbacks, coop requirements and waste or noise management.
  5. Check for HOA or dead restrictions. Even if chickens are allowed by zoning, homeowner associations (HOAs) or property deeds may have stricter rules. Be sure to check those as well.

You can always contact your local planning or zoning department and they can will help you locate zoning maps and ordinances specific to your area.

Pima County

For any address in Pima County, visit the Pima Zoning Search Page.

  1. 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).