Backyard Chickens in Scottsdale, Arizona

What the Scottsdale Rules Say

Scottsdale’s farm, ranch, and stable guidance says the city generally does not regulate the number of horses or other farm animals allowed on single-family and two-family residential properties when they are for personal use by the homeowner and there is a city-approved, habitable single-family home on the property.

The same guidance warns that Scottsdale does regulate nuisances such as flies and odors, and that animals are also affected by Maricopa County Health Department rules and HOA or CC&R restrictions.

Scottsdale also prohibits knowingly keeping or harboring any animal or fowl that, by frequent or habitual crowing or other noise, annoys or disturbs a neighborhood or two or more persons.

What This Means in Plain English

Scottsdale appears permissive for personal-use hens, but the city guidance is not written as a simple backyard-chicken checklist. Arizona state law also protects up to six domestic chickens for qualifying single-family detached residences.

Roosters are a bad fit in Scottsdale neighborhoods because frequent crowing can violate the nuisance rule.

Getting Started

1. Confirm your property type and zoning.
2. Check HOA or CC&R restrictions before buying birds.
3. Keep hens in a clean, contained setup.
4. Manage manure, flies, odors, and feed storage carefully.
5. Avoid roosters because crowing can create a nuisance violation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I have chickens in Scottsdale, AZ?

Yes, personal-use hens appear possible on qualifying residential properties, but verify zoning, HOA restrictions, and nuisance rules first.

How many hens can I have in Scottsdale?

The reviewed Scottsdale guidance does not list a simple citywide hen maximum for personal-use residential animals.

Are roosters allowed in Scottsdale?

Do not assume so. Frequent or habitual crowing can violate Scottsdale’s nuisance rules.