Goodyear expands zoning laws to allow backyard chickens

By Mary Goldmeer
Mail | Independent Newsmedia

Goodyear residents are allowed to keep poultry within city limits after the city council adopted the recently signed statewide Backyard Chicken bill. The city council presentation on Monday, Aug. 23 started with Goodyear City Planning Manager, Christian Williams, tossing rubber chicken toys to council members.

Williams said that after the approval of the ordinance, Goodyear residents in single family, detached residences that sit on a half-acre or less of property are able to keep six hens. These chickens are expected to be kept in an enclosure that is kept twenty feet away from neighboring properties. There are also regulations on how often the animals are picked up after and how to make enclosures and feed insect and rodent proof. Roosters are not allowed. 

Residents who are unable to comply with the requirements may be charged with a misdemeanor and can be fined up to $2,500 or could be imprisoned for up to six months.

These HOA rules vary between communities and may restrict residents from owning chickens further.

“This is the only little bit of measure of local control that we have, and if we say no to this ordinance, I could have 40 chickens on my lot,” Councilmember Sheri Lauritano said.  “I would vote against this if it was our idea.”

Goodyear City Council adopted the ordinance unanimously after speaking about how homeowners’ association rules apply on top of city and state ordinances, concerns for property value, and the health and safety of the fowl and citizens caring for them.

“Between the odors and the sounds, we’re going to have a lot of issues,” Councilmember Bill Stipp said, “if any of my neighbors (get chickens), I would literally fly the coup.”

Visit goodyearaz.gov for more information.