Backyard Livestock Keeping

Step 2: Look up Your Lot Size

• If you are unaware how big your lot is, you can find it by looking up your address in Coconino County's Parcel Viewer.
• Your lot size determines how many small livestock you can keep. The number of each type of livestock allowed for each lot size can be found in the table below:

Step 3: Determine if you meet spacing & setback requirements

Depending on which livestock you are keeping, you need to provide adequate space for your livestock. You also need to make sure that shelters for your livestock, such as chicken coops and rabbit hutches are the appropriate distance from neighboring property lines and homes. If you are keeping small livestock, including chickens, ducks, rabbits, or miniature goats, you need to meet two different setback requirements:

• Animal shelters must be at least 10 feet from all neighboring property lines, except those abutting an alleyway. If this is the case, the shelter can extend up to the property line.
• Shelters must be at least 20 feet from neighboring homes.
• Animal shelters must be located in your rear yard.

Step 4: Apply for a Permit

• If you're only keeping bees, you do not need a permit.
• Unless you live in Estate and Rural Residential zoning, a permit is required to keep backyard livestock, such as chickens, ducks, and rabbits. The application (PDF) is free and easy and you'll get a notice of approval within two weeks. A site drawing is required as part of the application (see below). 
• To submit your application, we encourage you to email a completed copy to summer.white@flagstaffaz.gov to receive the fastest service. You can also mail and application to the following  address:

City of Flagstaff Sustainability Section
211 W Aspen Avenue
Flagstaff, AZ 86001

Example of a Site Drawing

As part of your permit application, you will need to submit a site drawing that demonstrates where your animal shelter will be located on your property. An example of this is shown as follows, which was done using a screenshot from Google Maps and a paint application. It is also fine to submit one that is hand-drawn as long as it demonstrates the proper location and setbacks.