What you need to know about the new ordinance on having chickens in a residential backyard in Goodyear

The State of Arizona recently passed House Bill 2325, requiring cities to allow backyard chickens in certain single-family homes.

Can I Have Chickens?

Before considering chickens, and you have a Homeowners Association, you should read your CC&Rs and contact for HOA to ensure compliance with any additional rules they may have.

Single-family detached homes can have chickens in the backyard, if the requirements below on where they are kept and your responsibilities are met and followed.

Where Can I Keep Them?

• You can keep up to six (6) chickens.
• Roosters or other male fowl are not allowed.
• Chickens must stay in an enclosure and cannot roam freely.
• The enclosure must be in your backyard or side yard and at least 20 feet from your neighbor’s property.
• The maximum size of the enclosure is 200 square feet, and it can't be taller than eight feet or higher than your fence (most fences in Goodyear are between 5 and 6 feet in height).

What Are My Responsibilities?

• Clean up: You must clean the enclosure and dispose of manure at least twice a week.
• Storage: Store all chicken feed in insect-proof and rodent-proof containers.
• Water: Make sure water sources for your chickens have proper drainage.
• Composting: Any composted manure must be kept in a way that prevents insects from spreading.

What If I Have a Concern?

If you have concerns about violations of this ordinance, you can contact the Code Compliance Division by using the Report a Problem feature on our website, or mobile app.