Backyard chickens in Glendale, Arizona

Yes — you can keep hens in Glendale, but the path to get there has been unusual. For years Glendale's own zoning code only allowed poultry in a handful of larger-lot zoning districts. Chickens are only allowed in the following residential zones: A-1(Agricultural), RR-90 & RR-45 (Rural Residential), and SR-30, SR-17 and SR-12 (Suburban Residential), and this interpretation is based on a zoning ordinance that was adopted in 1993. A resident who quoted the actual code sections in a public forum noted that under §5.212 (Suburban Residential), raising and grazing of livestock is permitted for a maximum of one (1) livestock animal per five thousand (5,000) square feet of open space, two (2) swine shall be allowed per lot, and that under both §5.212 and §5.132, the raising of poultry is permitted provided they are contained within a fence or cage, and male fowl shall not be permitted within five hundred (500) feet of any residence or living space, including pool or patio, on an adjacent suburban residential, urban residential, or multiple residential zoned lot. Standard single-family (R1) lots were excluded, and as late as 2017 backyard chickens were still illegal unless you were zoned for it in the City of Glendale, AZ after the City Council declined to change the ordinance.

That changed statewide in 2024. Governor Katie Hobbs signed into law House Bill 2325, which prevents a city from making an ordinance that bans backyard chickens at a single-family home. The bill allows residents to have up to six chickens in their backyard, and the coop, which must be cleaned twice a week, can be a maximum of 200 square feet and up to 8 feet high. Roosters are not allowed under the state law. This new state baseline effectively overrides Glendale's old zoning-only restriction for qualifying single-family homes, and current chicken-law guides confirm the practical result: Glendale City Code (HB 2325 compliance amendments) means municipalities may not prohibit backyard fowl on single-family detached homes up to ½ acre or less, and the hen limit is up to 6 hens, with roosters not allowed.

Glendale sits in the Sonoran Desert with extremely hot, dry summers (frequent 105–115°F days from June–September) and mild, sunny winters. Heat stress and dehydration are bigger flock risks than cold. Coops need maximum shade, cross-ventilation, and constant cool water; misters or frozen treats help hens survive peak summer heat.

Glendale-area flocks face threats from hawks and other raptors overhead, plus ground predators. Coyotes, bobcats, and raccoons have been known to prey on backyard chickens, and desert snakes are a common threat to eggs and chicks. Secure, roofed runs with buried hardware cloth and raccoon-proof latches are strongly recommended.