Can I keep chickens in Las Cruces, NM?
Yes, with conditions — Las Cruces allows chickens only in certain zones or lot configurations (up to 6 hens where permitted). Roosters are prohibited, and coops must be at least 35 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (Las Cruces Municipal Code Ch. 7 (Animals), Sec. 7-31(b)(6) Chickens and ducks; Sec. 7-32B Livestock, verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Conditional (zone / lot rules) |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | 6 |
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Permit required | Yes ($15) |
| Coop setback | 35 ft |
| Coop rules | Special animal permit required on property not zoned for livestock; up to 6 chickens/ducks/drakes total per such property; roosters prohibited there. Livestock must not be kept in required yards/setbacks or within 35 ft of an adjacent dwelling or adjacent business primary structure. Permit fee set by council resolution (reported $15/yr + $10 application). |
| Code section | Las Cruces Municipal Code Ch. 7 (Animals), Sec. 7-31(b)(6) Chickens and ducks; Sec. 7-32B Livestock |
Las Cruces allows up to 6 chickens/ducks (no roosters) on property not zoned for livestock under an annual special animal permit; properties zoned for livestock follow the livestock density/setback rules. Livestock must be kept at least 35 ft from an adjacent dwelling.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Las Cruces?
Yes, with conditions — Las Cruces allows chickens only in certain zones or situations (Las Cruces Municipal Code Ch. 7 (Animals), Sec. 7-31(b)(6) Chickens and ducks; Sec. 7-32B Livestock).
How many chickens can I keep in Las Cruces?
Up to 6 hens. Rules vary by zoning district — check the full summary for your zone.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Las Cruces?
Yes — Las Cruces requires a permit or registration before keeping chickens (fee: $15).
Are roosters allowed in Las Cruces?
No — roosters are prohibited in Las Cruces.
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in Las Cruces?
35 feet minimum. Special animal permit required on property not zoned for livestock; up to 6 chickens/ducks/drakes total per such property; roosters prohibited there. Livestock must not be kept in required yards/setbacks or within 35 ft of an adjacent dwelling or adjacent business primary structure. Permit fee set by council resolution (reported $15/yr + $10 application).
What law covers backyard chickens in Las Cruces?
Las Cruces Municipal Code Ch. 7 (Animals), Sec. 7-31(b)(6) Chickens and ducks; Sec. 7-32B Livestock. Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Las Cruces Municipal Code Ch. 7 (Animals), Sec. 7-31(b)(6) Chickens and ducks; Sec. 7-32B Livestock — read the official code
“Chickens and ducks. A special permit is required for any property not zoned for the keeping of livestock in order to keep chickens or ducks. All such animals shall be kept and maintained in accordance with the provisions of this chapter and shall not exceed a total of six chickens, ducks, and/or drakes per property not zoned for the keeping of livestock. Roosters are not permitted on properties not zoned for the keeping of livestock.” source
“A person or organization who seeks to keep any animal requiring a special animal permit shall file an application for an annual special animal permit with the animal control unit... The application fee and annual permit fee shall be set by city council resolution.” source
“Keeping livestock shall not be permitted in the required front, side and street side yard setbacks, and shall not be kept closer than 35 feet to an adjacent dwelling, or the primary structure of an adjacent business, excluding that of the property on which the livestock reside.” 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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