Backyard Livestock Keeping

Goats

General Guidelines

Keeping small livestock animals is a sustainable, healthy, and fun source of food. And it's legal! Read the guidelines below for specifications. Guidelines (PDF)Animal Keeping Guidelines Sheet 1

Apply for an Animal Keeping Permit

Wondering if you're allowed to keep backyard livestock on your property? Follow the 4 easy steps listed below to determine if you're eligible. If you have any specific questions, please email summer.white@flagstaffaz.gov or call 928-213-2146.

  1. Step 1: Look up Your Zoning
  2. Step 2: Look up Your Lot Size
  3. Step 3: Determine if you meet spacing & setback requirements
  4. Step 4: Apply for a Permit

Step 1: Look up Your Zoning

  • If you live in Estate or Rural Residential zoning, you can keep all types of small and large livestock, as well as bees as long as you follow the regulations outlined in the Animal Keeping Code. You can ignore the rest of the steps.
  • If you live in all other Residential zoning, you may be able to keep small livestock with a livestock keeping permit. Small livestock includes chickens, ducks, rabbits, and pygmy/miniature goats. You can also keep bees without a permit.
  • Unsure of your zoning? Look up your address on this map.
  • If you live within a HOA it is your responsibility to check with HOA management to ensure that keeping of small livestock is allowed in your neighborhood.

animal zoning chart

Full Animal Keeping Code

You can access a complete version of the Animal Keeping Code. The code received revisions on May 19th, 2020 which included a requirement to have a permit to keep livestock in residential zones, other than estate and rural residential. 

If you have additional questions about the Animal Keeping Code or permitting process please email Summer.White@flagstaffaz.gov or call 928-213-2146.