Albuquerque Quick Summary
Limit: Up to 15 hens in R-1; varies by zone · Roosters: Permitted with license in some zones · Permit: Chicken license required · Setback: 25 ft from neighboring structure · Code: Albuquerque City Code § 9-2-2-1
Albuquerque's Unusually Permissive Rooster Rules
Albuquerque is one of the few major U.S. cities that explicitly permits roosters in some residential zones, subject to a chicken license and noise nuisance compliance. This reflects Albuquerque's strong Hispanic agricultural heritage and the city's historically permissive approach to backyard livestock compared to peer cities.
The chicken license is required for any backyard poultry keeping in Albuquerque. The license covers both hens and, in applicable zones, roosters — with the understanding that the keeper accepts responsibility for noise nuisance management. Enforcement is complaint-driven, and roosters that generate sustained neighbor complaints will ultimately face enforcement action even in zones where they're technically permitted.
The Rooster Allowance in Practice
Albuquerque's rooster allowance is one of the most frequently cited facts about the city's chicken ordinance — and also one of the most frequently misunderstood. Roosters are permitted subject to noise nuisance compliance. A rooster generating sustained complaints from neighbors will be cited under the noise nuisance ordinance even with a valid license. The license permits you to have a rooster; it doesn't insulate you from noise complaints.Key Rules at a Glance
- Up to 15 hens in standard R-1 residential zones with license
- Roosters permitted with chicken license — subject to noise nuisance compliance
- A chicken license is required for any backyard poultry
- Coop must be at least 25 feet from any neighboring structure
- Coop must be predator-proof and weatherproof
- Feed in sealed containers; no open water sources that attract pests
- Annual license renewal required
| Rule | Detail | Notes | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flock limit | Up to 15 hens (R-1) | Higher limits in ag zones | ABQ Code § 9-2-2-1 |
| Roosters | Permitted with license | Noise nuisance enforcement still applies | ABQ Code § 9-2-2-1 |
| License | Required, annual renewal | From ABQ Animal Welfare Dept | ABQ Code § 9-2-2-1 |
| Setback | 25 ft from neighboring structure | Not from property line — structure | ABQ Code § 9-2-2-1 |
| Location | Rear yard preferred | Code does not strictly limit | ABQ Code § 9-2-2-1 |
How Albuquerque Compares to Nearby Cities
| City | Limit | Permit | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Albuquerque | 15 hens | Annual license | 25 ft from structure |
| Santa Fe | 6 hens | Permit required | 25 ft setback |
| Las Cruces | 6 hens | No permit | 20 ft setback |
| Rio Rancho | 6 hens | Permit required | 25 ft setback |
| El Paso TX | 6 hens | Permit required | 25 ft setback |
| Phoenix AZ | 20 hens | None | None specified |
Frequently Asked Questions
Chicken licenses are issued by the Albuquerque Animal Welfare Department. Their main office is at 8920 Lomas Blvd NE. Applications are available online at cabq.gov/animal-welfare. The annual fee is modest (under $50 as of 2024). The application requires your address, proposed number and type of birds, and confirmation that you meet setback requirements.
Not necessarily — Albuquerque's culture around roosters is more tolerant than most U.S. cities. Many neighborhoods, particularly in the South Valley and older established residential areas, have long coexisted with backyard poultry including roosters. Neighbor relations matter more than the ordinance itself — a rooster in a neighborhood where it's culturally accepted will coexist peacefully; the same rooster in a newer subdivision of transplants from rooster-ban cities may generate immediate complaints.
New Mexico Department of Agriculture requires registration of managed honey bee colonies. For chickens and other backyard livestock, no state-level registration is required below commercial thresholds. Contact NMDA's Agriculture and Environmental Services Division at (575) 646-3007 for current requirements.
Related Guides
GuideRooster Ordinances NationallyThe few cities that allow roosters.National GuideChicken Ordinances NationallyHow Albuquerque compares.ToolFlock Production PlannerWhat 15 hens actually produces.
Disclaimer: Ordinances change. Always verify current rules with Albuquerque's Planning or Zoning department before acquiring any animals.