Planning Group Approves New Regulations for Keeping Backyard Chickens

The Lake Havasu City Planning and Zoning Commission approved changes to the city code on Wednesday, allowing residents in single-family homes to keep up to six fowl in their backyard.

This decision aligns with the impending Arizona House Bill 2325, which will take effect on Sept. 14. The bill prohibits cities from banning the keeping of fowl in backyards statewide, specifically for single-family detached residences that are one-half acre or less in size.

Despite the inability to outright ban backyard fowl, cities retain some authority to impose restrictions. Planning Division Manager Chris Gilbert emphasized that **all single-family residential properties** in the state must comply with specific conditions to keep backyard fowl.

Consequently, the city is introducing a new code that categorizes backyard fowl as an “accessory use” and imposes certain limitations. Residents may keep up to six fowl, excluding male fowl such as roosters, in a designated enclosure. The enclosure must meet specific size and height requirements and be positioned at least 20 feet from a neighbor’s property. Additionally, feed must be stored properly, and manure must be disposed of twice a week.

The code will adopt the state’s definition of fowl, described as “a cock or hen of the domestic chicken.”

Before the approval, some Planning and Zoning Commissioners expressed astonishment that such a bill passed the legislature. Commissioner David Diaz remarked, “This is just fowl,” while Chair Jim Harris stated, “I don’t believe it.”

City Manager Jess Knudson criticized the bill, calling it a clear example of the state overstepping its boundaries with local cities and towns in Arizona. “Our residents, our council should be the one that makes the decision whether or not we should allow for backyard fowl in Lake Havasu, and not the state of Arizona,” said Knudson.

Knudson also drew parallels to the regulations imposed on Airbnb rentals, which similarly limited local control over vacation rentals.

Despite the proposed city code including restrictions on enclosures, quantity of fowl, and feed storage, Knudson argued it would be unenforceable due to the bill’s language. “The city, and nobody from the state is going to be able to go on private property to inspect the feed that is used, or the conditions of the pens, or otherwise,” he said.

The code will be presented to the City Council for final approval in an upcoming meeting.