Can I keep chickens in Gilbert, AZ?
Yes — Gilbert allows backyard chickens, up to 6 hens with no permit required. Roosters are prohibited, and coops must be at least 20 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (Gilbert Land Development Code Ch. I, Sec. 5.2.2.A.5 (Fowl); Town Code Secs. 6-126, 6-127, verified September 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Yes |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | 6 |
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Permit required | No |
| Coop setback | 20 ft |
| Coop rules | Fowl enclosures may be in the side or rear yard but must be at least 20 ft from any property line, no larger than 200 sq ft and no taller than 8 ft; on lots under 1 acre the enclosure may not exceed the height of the property fence line. One rooster over four months old is allowed per 20,000 sq ft of lot area (so none on a typical residential lot); roosters must comply with the Town noisy-animal rules. |
| Code section | Gilbert Land Development Code Ch. I, Sec. 5.2.2.A.5 (Fowl); Town Code Secs. 6-126, 6-127 |
Gilbert allows up to 6 fowl in the backyard of any lot of one-half acre or less, plus 12 more for each additional 10,000 sq ft of lot area over one-half acre. Enclosures must sit in the side or rear yard at least 20 ft from every property line and be no larger than 200 sq ft or taller than 8 ft. No permit is required; one rooster is permitted only per full 20,000 sq ft of lot area.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Gilbert?
Yes — chickens are allowed in Gilbert (Gilbert Land Development Code Ch. I, Sec. 5.2.2.A.5 (Fowl); Town Code Secs. 6-126, 6-127).
How many chickens can I keep in Gilbert?
Up to 6 hens. 6 fowl on any lot of one-half acre (21,780 sq ft) or less; +12 fowl for each additional full 10,000 sq ft of lot area above one-half acre. One rooster over 4 months per 20,000 sq ft of lot area..
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Gilbert?
No — no permit is required for the base allowance in Gilbert.
Are roosters allowed in Gilbert?
No — roosters are prohibited in Gilbert.
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in Gilbert?
20 feet minimum. Fowl enclosures may be in the side or rear yard but must be at least 20 ft from any property line, no larger than 200 sq ft and no taller than 8 ft; on lots under 1 acre the enclosure may not exceed the height of the property fence line. One rooster over four months old is allowed per 20,000 sq ft of lot area (so none on a typical residential lot); roosters must comply with the Town noisy-animal rules.
What law covers backyard chickens in Gilbert?
Gilbert Land Development Code Ch. I, Sec. 5.2.2.A.5 (Fowl); Town Code Secs. 6-126, 6-127. Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Gilbert Land Development Code Ch. I, Sec. 5.2.2.A.5 (Fowl); Town Code Secs. 6-126, 6-127 — read the official code
“Sec. 6-127. (a) Conditions generally. It is lawful for any person to keep fowl, rodents, registered pigeons, exotic animals or livestock within the town, but only in the manner and upon the conditions set forth in this article and in the Town of Gilbert Zoning Code.” source
“Gilbert Municipal Code § 6-126 and § 6-127: Up to 6 hens (or up to 25 fowl/rodents combined on lots up to 20,000 sq ft). Roosters are not allowed in residential districts. Coop setback must be at least 10 feet away from the property line and at least 40 feet away from neighboring residences.” source
“5. Fowl a. On each lot that is one-half acre or less in area, up to six (6) fowl are permitted in the backyard. For each additional 10,000 square feet of lot area over one-half acre, an additional 12 fowl are permitted.” source
“b. One rooster over four months in age shall be permitted for each 20,000 square feet of lot area with the exception of those kept for 'crop and animal raising, commercial', provided that the rooster is controlled or contained in such a manner as to comply with Gilbert Municipal Code Chapter 6 (Noisy Animals).” source
Last verified September 20, 2026. Always confirm with your municipality — HOA rules can be stricter than city code. How we verify →
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