Can I keep chickens in Gallup, NM?
Yes, with conditions — Gallup allows chickens only in certain zones or lot configurations (up to 4 hens where permitted). Roosters are prohibited, and coops must be at least 5 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (Gallup City Code Sec. 5-3-44 (Keeping Domesticated Livestock and Fowl), verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Conditional (zone / lot rules) |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | 4 |
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Permit required | Yes ($0) |
| Coop setback | 5 ft |
| Coop rules | Max 4 hens, no roosters, no other fowl. Allowed only in SFR and RR zoning districts, rear/backyard only, no free-ranging. Coop predator-proof with solid top, <=120 sq ft total, >=4 sq ft per hen, <=7 ft tall, >=10 ft from any other structure and >=5 ft from any side/rear property line, kept clean. |
| Code section | Gallup City Code Sec. 5-3-44 (Keeping Domesticated Livestock and Fowl) |
Gallup permits up to four backyard chicken hens per lot (roosters and all other fowl prohibited), but only in the Single-Family Residential (SFR) and Rural Residential (RR) zoning districts, restricted to the rear/backyard with no free-ranging. A free (no-charge) permit from the Animal Control Division is required, and the coop must be predator-proof, no larger than 120 sq ft, at least 10 ft from other structures and 5 ft from side/rear property lines. Because it is limited to specific zones, the allowance is conditional.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Gallup?
Yes, with conditions — Gallup allows chickens only in certain zones or situations (Gallup City Code Sec. 5-3-44 (Keeping Domesticated Livestock and Fowl)).
How many chickens can I keep in Gallup?
Up to 4 hens. Rules vary by zoning district — check the full summary for your zone.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Gallup?
Yes — Gallup requires a permit or registration before keeping chickens (fee: $0).
Are roosters allowed in Gallup?
No — roosters are prohibited in Gallup.
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in Gallup?
5 feet minimum. Max 4 hens, no roosters, no other fowl. Allowed only in SFR and RR zoning districts, rear/backyard only, no free-ranging. Coop predator-proof with solid top, <=120 sq ft total, >=4 sq ft per hen, <=7 ft tall, >=10 ft from any other structure and >=5 ft from any side/rear property line, kept clean.
What law covers backyard chickens in Gallup?
Gallup City Code Sec. 5-3-44 (Keeping Domesticated Livestock and Fowl). Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Gallup City Code Sec. 5-3-44 (Keeping Domesticated Livestock and Fowl) — read the official code
“Backyard chicken hens are restricted to the rear or backyard of any lot in the Rural Residential (RR) and Single-Family Residential, Detached (SFR) Zoning Districts.” source
“Be predator-proof with a solid top. Are limited to a maximum of one hundred twenty (120) square feet (includes coop space and chicken run). Provide at least four (4) square feet of space per chicken hen for the coop and run. Be no taller than seven feet (7') at the highest point of the roof.” source
“No more than four (4) backyard chicken hens are permitted per lot. Roosters are prohibited.” source
“Any person that owns or maintains backyard chicken hens is required to obtain a permit from the Animal Control Division. There shall be no charge to obtain the permit.” 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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