Are chickens allowed in Hobbs? | Yes |
How many chickens can you have? | Depends on the size of the property (see below) |
Can you have roosters in Hobbs? | No |
Chicken coop placement rules: | At least 30 feet away from any building |
Application process: | Permit required |
More information: | Hobbs City Code |
If the prospect of having chickens in your backyard in Hobbs excites you, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the rules and regulations that govern this practice.
- Permit Requirement: Residents are allowed to keep chickens, but a permit is required.
- Number of Chickens: The number of chickens allowed depends on the size of the property:
- For properties with a minimum of 0.50 acres, residents can keep up to 40 free-range and 20 isolated chickens per 10,000 square feet of pasture or yard area.
- If the property exceeds 1.0 acres, the permitting staff will review the proposed density in consultation with the property owner.
- Roosters are not allowed to be kept as part of backyard chicken keeping.
- Secure Pen or Enclosure: Chickens must be kept in a secure pen or enclosure that is at least 30 feet away from any private residence, hotel, apartment house, tenement house, hospital, church, or school.
- If there is a public alley between the pen and such buildings, the pen or enclosure can be within 20 feet of the alley, provided a solid fence or wall at least 6 feet high separates them.
- Manure Management: Manure from chicken pens must be removed at least twice weekly and disposed of in a manner that prevents any nuisance and keeps the premises clean.
- Chickens are not allowed in the required front, side, and street-side yard setbacks.
- No pen or enclosure is permitted within 100 feet of any water well intended for domestic use.
Backyard chicken regulations in cities can change over time, so it’s important to reach out to officials in Hobbs for the most up-to-date information.
Start Raising Chickens
See other New Mexico chicken ordinances.
Last updated: 4/25/24