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Yuma County approves text amendment to regulate backyard chickens; roosters not permitted
Summary
The board approved a zoning text amendment (Text Case 25-01) that clarifies definitions and rules for backyard chickens, aligns county code with state law, prohibits roosters and makes enforcement complaint-driven.
The Yuma County Board of Supervisors approved Text Amendment Case 25-01 on May 5 to regulate backyard chickens, clarifying definitions and rules for small-scale poultry on residential properties.
Richard Maguia, senior planner with the county, said the amendment mirrors provisions in Arizona law and cleans up definitions to separate "chickens" from other "fowl." Maguia told the board the update also clarifies that roosters are not permitted in areas where the amendment applies. "The state has identified some things that the county can regulate, and so we're mirroring those things," Maguia said, summarizing the staff recommendation.
The amendment includes language on enclosures and coops (to prevent chickens running at large) and retains a complaint-driven enforcement approach: officials said roosters and other violations would be addressed if neighbors file complaints. Staff reported no public opposition and recommended approval; two nearby property owners who had speaker forms said they supported rezoning in a separate land-use item tied to the same parcel.
The board voted to approve the text amendment by motion and second; the motion carried. County staff will incorporate the revised definitions and enforcement language into the zoning code and update public guidance about allowable backyard poultry and coop requirements.
