Tag: laws

Phoenix AZ City Ordinance for Keeping Chickens

2023 | Phoenix, AZ |Section 8-7. Poultry & Rodents

  • No poultry or rodents shall be kept in an enclosure within eighty feet of any residence within the City. Poultry may be kept within eighty feet of a residence if written permission consenting to the keeping of poultry less than eighty feet from a residence is first obtained from each lawful occupant and each lawful owner of such residence. Poultry shall not be kept in the front yard area of any lot or parcel within the City. Poultry and rodents shall be kept in an enclosure so constructed as to prevent such poultry and rodents from wandering upon property belonging to others.
  • No more than twenty head of poultry nor more than twenty-five head of rodents nor more than twenty-five head comprising a combination of rodents and poultry shall be kept upon the first one-half acre or less. An additional one-half acre shall be required for each additional twenty head of poultry or for each additional twenty-five head of rodents or for each additional twenty-five head comprising a combination of poultry and rodents. For areas larger than two and one-half acres the number of poultry or rodents shall not be limited.
  • 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.
  • All such enclosures shall be kept in such condition that no offensive, disagreeable or noxious smell or odor shall arise therefrom to the injury, annoyance or inconvenience of any inhabitant of the neighborhood thereof. 

Section 8-5. Manner of Keeping Generally

  • It is unlawful for any person to keep or maintain any animal or bird in the City in a manner likely to disturb the peace, comfort, or health of any person residing within the City.
  • A person who violates this section is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor, however, the City Prosecutor may authorize the filing of certain cases or classes of cases as civil violations unless the person previously has been found responsible or guilty of violating this section.
  • A person found responsible for a civil violation of this section is subject to a sanction of not less than one hundred fifty dollars and not more than two thousand five hundred dollars.
  • In addition to any other penalty authorized by law, a person found guilty of a criminal violation of this section shall pay a fine of not less than one hundred fifty dollars.

Can you Have Chickens Where You Live?

Check with your local government or health department websites for information on regulations and restrictions regarding raising chickens in your city.
Key words: Poultry & Rodent Ordinance

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The Gist of Chicken Raising in the City | by Guest Writer Jordan Walker

Interested in raising chickens in the city? Not sure if it is allowed? Jordan Walker, the lead content curator of Coops And Cages, answers these questions that are commonly baffling interested breeders.

Chickens are very inexpensive pets. Not only are they easy to maintain, but they also produce eggs every now and then. Plus, kids can also have fun with them on occasion since chickens also serve as very great pets. With these numerous benefits, it’s no wonder people would like to raise chickens in the city. Is this possible though?

Local Laws and Regulations

Hens make the perfect addition to any backyard. However, you should first check if there are any local ordinances barring the raising of chickens. More often than not, these ordinances don’t really ban them but actually put certain requirements in place so as to keep everybody happy. Some of these regulations include but aren’t limited to the proper use of chicken enclosures, limitation on the number of chickens per household, and possibly mandatory inspections and vaccinations.

Neighbors

Even if you’ve verified that the law has provisions for chicken breeding, you still need to maintain a healthy relationship with your neighbors. Else, they can raise concerns with public offices and courts if the chickens annoy them. Be sure you check if the whole thing is alright with them. It even helps to commit to having no roosters around and offering free eggs every now and then to appease them.

Shelter

While chickens do appreciate having huge space to roam around, they are also fine cooped up in a secure space. Chickens are pretty much the bottom of the food chain and are prone to being snatched by predators such as raccoons, dogs, cats and other animals.

Coops and chicken enclosures are also great for protecting them against harsh weather and at the same time giving them some run space for fresh air purposes.

It isn’t impossible to raise chickens in the city. Chickens are great additions to any household and they help provide more food for the residents. Additionally, they also make excellent pets due to their calm demeanor. As long as you are clear with the law and your neighbors, you can raise them as you see fit.

Author: Jordan Walker
Jordan is the lead content curator for Coops and Cages as well as a couple of other pet related blogs.

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City Ordinance for Chickens in Phoenix, Arizona

Revised: Read Updated Version

  • Are Chickens Allowed in Phoenix: Yes
  • Max Chickens Allowed: 20
  • Roosters Allowed: No
  • Permit Required: No
  • Coop Restrictions: 80 feet from residence-ZONING ORDINANCES APPLY

 Sec. 8-7. Poultry and rodents.

(a) Except as otherwise provided in the article, it is hereby declared to be a nuisance and it shall be unlawful for any person to keep rodents or poultry within the City. No poultry or rodents shall be kept in an enclosure within eight feet of any residence within the City. Poultry may be kept within eighty feet of a residence if written permission consenting to the keeping of poultry less than eighty feet from a residence is first obtained from each lawful occupant and each lawful owner of such residence. Poultry shall not be kept in the front yard area of any lot or parcel with the City. Poultry and rodents shall be kept in an enclosure so constructed as to prevent such poultry and rodents from wandering upon property belonging to others.

(b) No more than twenty head of poultry nor more than twenty-five head of rodents nor more than twenty-five head comprising a combination of rodents and poultry shall be kept upon the first one-half acre or less. An additional one-half acre shall be required for each additional twenty head of poultry or for each additional twenty-five head of rodents or for each additional twenty-five head comprising a combination of poultry and rodents. For areas larger than two and one-half acres the number of poultry or rodents shall not be limited.

(c) 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.

(d) All such enclosures shall be kept in such condition that no offensive, disagreeable, or noxious smell or odor shall arise therefrom to the injury, annoyance, or inconvenience of any inhabitant of the neighborhood thereof.

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