Fowl, Rodents & Livestock
What is fowl?
Any domesticated bird including but not limited to chickens, ducks, geese, guineas, peacocks, pheasants, and turkeys.
What is a rodent?
Any herbivorous mammal including rabbits, hares, or lagomorphs.
What can I do about roof rats?
Visit the roof rat page for details on dealing with roof rats in your neighborhood.
What is livestock?
Livestock includes horses, cows, sheep, goats, pigs, donkeys, mules, buffalo, llamas, and large flightless birds such as emus, ostriches, rheas, and cassowaries.
How much property do I need to own to have livestock?
You must have 35,000 sq. ft. of land to have livestock. The number of livestock allowed is based on a point system set forth in Mesa City Code 8-6-21.
Can I have chickens, roosters, or rabbits on my property?
A total of 10 fowl, including rabbits, are allowed on lots less than ½ acre (21,780sq ft). Roosters are only allowed if they do not create a noise disturbance. If a noise disturbance occurs, they must be removed to avoid a citation.
Fowl must be contained to your property. Please see MCC 8-6-21 G & H, for containment area distance restrictions.
Can I ride my horse in the street?
A horse is considered a method of transportation and should be ridden in the street or on designated trails. All traffic laws must be obeyed.
Is it okay to feed pigeons?
It is a violation in Mesa to feed pigeons and doves on private or public property. An exemption is provided for feeding of other species of birds from a feeder intended to prevent pigeons and doves from feeding.
The Code Compliance unit is dedicated to fostering community pride and providing superior services to Mesa residents, businesses and visitors through innovation, education and enforcement. We appreciate your help in maintaining our neighborhoods. By working together, we will keep Mesa beautiful and ensure it stays a wonderful community.
Code Compliance officers may begin enforcement based on citizen complaints or Code Officer’s observations. This provides an opportunity to educate residents about the City’s ordinances.
Title 8-6-3 (AB)