Can I keep chickens in Sunland Park, NM?
Yes, with conditions — Sunland Park allows chickens only in certain zones or lot configurations (up to 20 hens where permitted). (Sunland Park Title 10 (Zoning), Ch. 5 Residential Districts: 10-5B-2 (RE-1 Agricultural Rural Estate); R-1 10-5C; cf. Title 5 Ch. 2 (5-2-12), verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Conditional (zone / lot rules) |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | 20 |
| Permit required | No |
| Minimum lot size | 43,560 sq ft |
| Coop rules | Zone-dependent. In RE-1 Agricultural Rural Estate (and RE Rural Estate) districts (1-acre minimum lot), up to 20 small farm animals in any combination (chickens, geese, pigs, rabbits, etc.) are permitted, non-commercial, kept confined and sanitary. In the R-1 Single-Family Residential District, poultry is NOT a listed permissive or conditional use. Title 5 Ch. 2 defers keeping of farm animals to Title 10 zoning. |
| Code section | Sunland Park Title 10 (Zoning), Ch. 5 Residential Districts: 10-5B-2 (RE-1 Agricultural Rural Estate); R-1 10-5C; cf. Title 5 Ch. 2 (5-2-12) |
Sunland Park's zoning makes chicken-keeping conditional on district: the RE/RE-1 Agricultural Rural Estate districts (1-acre min) permit up to 20 small farm animals including chickens (non-commercial, confined), while the standard R-1 Single-Family Residential district lists no agricultural/poultry use. The animal-control code defers farm-animal keeping to Title 10 zoning.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Sunland Park?
Yes, with conditions — Sunland Park allows chickens only in certain zones or situations (Sunland Park Title 10 (Zoning), Ch. 5 Residential Districts: 10-5B-2 (RE-1 Agricultural Rural Estate); R-1 10-5C; cf. Title 5 Ch. 2 (5-2-12)).
How many chickens can I keep in Sunland Park?
Up to 20 hens. Up to 20 small farm animals (incl. chickens) in RE/RE-1 Agricultural Rural Estate districts on >=1-acre lots; not a permitted use in R-1 Single-Family Residential.. Rules vary by zoning district — check the full summary for your zone.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Sunland Park?
No — no permit is required for the base allowance in Sunland Park.
Is there a minimum lot size for chickens in Sunland Park?
Yes — 43,560 sq ft.
What law covers backyard chickens in Sunland Park?
Sunland Park Title 10 (Zoning), Ch. 5 Residential Districts: 10-5B-2 (RE-1 Agricultural Rural Estate); R-1 10-5C; cf. Title 5 Ch. 2 (5-2-12). Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Sunland Park Title 10 (Zoning), Ch. 5 Residential Districts: 10-5B-2 (RE-1 Agricultural Rural Estate); R-1 10-5C; cf. Title 5 Ch. 2 (5-2-12) — read the official code
“10-5C-2: PERMISSIVE USES: One single-family dwelling unit per lot. Accessory uses or buildings customarily incidental to a residential area... Storage of a boat, camper, trailer or other major recreational equipment...” source
“Keeping Of Livestock And Other Farm Animals: The owning, possessing, keeping or harboring of livestock and other farm animals shall also be regulated by title 10 of this code.” source
“Small Farm Animals: Not more than twenty (20) or any combination of small (forty-four inches (44") or smaller, measured from the shoulder) farm animals such as chickens, geese, pigs, rabbits, etcetera shall be permitted; provided, that they are maintained in a confined manner... and are not kept, reared or maintained for any commercial purposes.” 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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