Major New Mexico Cities — Livestock Ordinance Summary
New Mexico does not have a statewide ordinance that standardizes livestock rules across municipalities — rules are set at the city and county level. The table below summarizes the major cities and counties covered on this site.
| City / County | Current Rules (verify locally) |
|---|---|
| Albuquerque | Up to 15 hens, annual license, roosters permitted with license, 25 ft from structure |
| Santa Fe | Up to 6 hens, permit required, 25 ft setback |
| Las Cruces | Up to 6 hens, no permit required, 20 ft setback |
| Rio Rancho | Up to 6 hens, permit required, 25 ft setback |
How to Find Your Specific New Mexico Rules
Search your city or county on Municode.com and search for "chickens," "poultry," or "livestock." For unincorporated county areas, check your county Planning Department's website. Our zoning code reading guide walks through the exact steps.
Disclaimer: Ordinances change frequently. Always verify with your local planning department before acquiring animals.