Can I keep chickens in Bernalillo, NM?
Yes, with conditions — Bernalillo allows chickens only in certain zones or lot configurations (up to 7 hens where permitted). Roosters are prohibited, and coops must be at least 10 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (Town of Bernalillo Code Ch. 470 (Zoning), Sec. 470-9 (R-1 Single-Family) & Sec. 470-10 (R-1A); Sec. 470-8 (R-R Rural Residential), verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Conditional (zone / lot rules) |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | 7 |
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Permit required | No |
| Coop setback | 10 ft |
| Coop rules | In R-1 Single-Family and R-1A zones: up to 7 hens, no roosters, kept in a secure enclosure or pen a minimum of 10 ft from any property line, as further regulated by the Town Animal Control Ordinance. In the R-R Rural Residential zone, broader livestock/poultry is allowed by area ratio and must not create a nuisance. |
| Code section | Town of Bernalillo Code Ch. 470 (Zoning), Sec. 470-9 (R-1 Single-Family) & Sec. 470-10 (R-1A); Sec. 470-8 (R-R Rural Residential) |
The Town of Bernalillo zoning code allows backyard hens in standard single-family residential zones: Sec. 470-9 (R-1) and Sec. 470-10 (R-1A) each permit up to seven hens, no roosters, kept in a secure pen >=10 ft from any property line. The R-R Rural Residential zone allows broader poultry/livestock by area ratio. R-2 multifamily and commercial zones do not include the hen allowance, so the rule is zone-dependent - but for typical single-family lots the answer is up to 7 hens, no roosters.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Bernalillo?
Yes, with conditions — Bernalillo allows chickens only in certain zones or situations (Town of Bernalillo Code Ch. 470 (Zoning), Sec. 470-9 (R-1 Single-Family) & Sec. 470-10 (R-1A); Sec. 470-8 (R-R Rural Residential)).
How many chickens can I keep in Bernalillo?
Up to 7 hens. Up to 7 hens (no roosters) by-right in R-1 Single-Family and R-1A zones, 10-ft pen setback; R-R Rural allows broader poultry by area ratio; R-2 multifamily and commercial zones do not permit hens.. Rules vary by zoning district — check the full summary for your zone.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Bernalillo?
No — no permit is required for the base allowance in Bernalillo.
Are roosters allowed in Bernalillo?
No — roosters are prohibited in Bernalillo.
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in Bernalillo?
10 feet minimum. In R-1 Single-Family and R-1A zones: up to 7 hens, no roosters, kept in a secure enclosure or pen a minimum of 10 ft from any property line, as further regulated by the Town Animal Control Ordinance. In the R-R Rural Residential zone, broader livestock/poultry is allowed by area ratio and must not create a nuisance.
What law covers backyard chickens in Bernalillo?
Town of Bernalillo Code Ch. 470 (Zoning), Sec. 470-9 (R-1 Single-Family) & Sec. 470-10 (R-1A); Sec. 470-8 (R-R Rural Residential). Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Town of Bernalillo Code Ch. 470 (Zoning), Sec. 470-9 (R-1 Single-Family) & Sec. 470-10 (R-1A); Sec. 470-8 (R-R Rural Residential) — read the official code
“Up to seven hens, but no roosters, and as further regulated by the Town of Bernalillo Animal Control Ordinance, as amended from time to time, but that hens shall be kept in a secure enclosure or pen, a minimum of 10 feet from any property line.” source
“Up to seven hens, but no roosters” source
“hens shall be kept in a secure enclosure or pen, a minimum of 10 feet from any property line” source
Last verified June 14, 2026. Always confirm with your municipality — HOA rules can be stricter than city code. How we verify →
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