Can I keep chickens in Portales, NM?
Yes, with conditions — Portales allows chickens only in certain zones or lot configurations. (Portales Code of Ordinances Ch. 7 (Animal Control), Secs. 7-2 (Definitions), 7-17 (Housing domestic livestock), verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Conditional (zone / lot rules) |
|---|---|
| Permit required | Yes ($50) |
| Coop rules | Chickens are 'livestock'; a livestock permit is required. Application must disclose land area, kind of livestock, pen/enclosure location, and distance from the nearest other dwelling; a pre-issuance inspection is required; pens/premises must be kept clean and sanitary. Permit renewed annually and revocable. A livestock permit will not be issued for any property not zoned to allow livestock. |
| Code section | Portales Code of Ordinances Ch. 7 (Animal Control), Secs. 7-2 (Definitions), 7-17 (Housing domestic livestock) |
Chickens are classified as 'livestock', so keeping them requires a livestock permit ($50 annual fee) plus a pre-issuance inspection, and the property must be zoned to allow livestock - making the allowance zone-dependent. No numeric flock cap. No fixed setback distance is stated, only that the application must disclose distance to the nearest neighbor's dwelling.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Portales?
Yes, with conditions — Portales allows chickens only in certain zones or situations (Portales Code of Ordinances Ch. 7 (Animal Control), Secs. 7-2 (Definitions), 7-17 (Housing domestic livestock)).
How many chickens can I keep in Portales?
It depends on your lot. Chickens are 'livestock' (Sec. 7-2); keeping requires a $50/yr permit (Sec. 7-17) AND the property must be zoned to allow livestock. No numeric cap.. Rules vary by zoning district — check the full summary for your zone.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Portales?
Yes — Portales requires a permit or registration before keeping chickens (fee: $50).
What law covers backyard chickens in Portales?
Portales Code of Ordinances Ch. 7 (Animal Control), Secs. 7-2 (Definitions), 7-17 (Housing domestic livestock). Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Portales Code of Ordinances Ch. 7 (Animal Control), Secs. 7-2 (Definitions), 7-17 (Housing domestic livestock) — read the official code
“Livestock shall include cattle, horses, donkeys, mules, bees, sheep, swine, goats, fowl (turkeys, chickens, ducks, and geese), emus and ostriches.” source
“A livestock permit will not be issued for any property not zoned to allow for livestock.” source
“Permits required by the provisions of this section upon approval of the application therefore, shall be issued for a fifty dollar ($50.00) annual fee.” source
“Any person desiring to keep any livestock within the city shall first obtain a permit to do so from the city.” 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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