Keeping Chickens in Texas. Laws and Ordinances
Raising backyard chickens in Texas is a popular activity, especially after the Covid-19 pandemic that taught us the importance of being self-sufficient.
Chickens require little maintenance, and they are a great source of food and entertainment when stuck at home.
In the state of Texas, there are no state laws specifically regulating the keeping of fowl, which includes animals like chickens, turkeys, geese, and ducks. Instead, the permissibility of having these animals on your property is determined by the ordinances set by the city or municipality where you reside. Each city in Texas may have its own regulations and restrictions regarding the keeping of fowl, so it’s important to consult the specific ordinances of your city to determine whether or not you can have them on your property.
In some areas, laws prohibit people from owning more than a certain number of chickens, and in some areas, you cannot raise backyard chickens. Below is some helpful information about raising chickens in your backyard in Texas.
Backyard Chickens in Texas
Raising backyard chickens in Texas is a great way to bring up a self-sufficient and interconnected community.
You can collect half a dozen eggs daily with six chickens.
As a result, families will have more eggs than they need resulting in sharing with neighbors. Chickens are a great way to bring people together as enthusiasts take notice flock together to talk about chicken.
Chicken also helps keep pests in check and naturally takes care of the earth. By having the birds around your yard, you can till and garden a small portion of your land effortlessly.
The chicken will also reduce wastage by eating leftovers. Chicken poop is also an excellent and effective natural fertilizer.
Backyard chicken keeping is also better and more sustainable than factory farming.
The reason is that it reduces the risk of spread of disease and bacteria that are antibiotic-resistant.
On another note, factory farming is one of the most significant contributors to water pollution, and backyard chicken farming can help manage waste outputs.
Laws about chickens in city limits in Texas
Most cities have rules concerning keeping chickens. The most common regulations are the prohibition of keeping chickens, and if chickens are kept, then there may be restrictions on the number of chickens per household at any one time. In other cases, you may be required to get a permit.
Arlington, TX. You will need more than half an acre of land to raise your hens. You are not allowed to keep roosters. Even with such land, you can only keep a maximum of four hens. You will also need to keep the chickens 50 ft. away from neighborhood houses and enclose them in a coop.
Austin, TX. A household can keep ten chickens penned 50ft. away from the houses. Other sources say that currently, there are no laws limiting the number of chickens you can keep in this city. Also, there are debates about the ban on raising roosters.
Baytown, TX. You can raise a backyard chicken penned 100 ft. away from neighbors. Most households are not large enough for this requirement.
Carrollton, TX. To legally keep chickens in Carrollton, you need to apply for a permit, which costs $20 per year. If approved, you can keep up to 6 chickens, but roosters are not allowed. The chickens must be provided with a coop and cannot roam freely on the property. The coop should not exceed 80 square feet or be taller than 8 feet. It must have its own fence and be located at least 25 feet away from any dwelling or business, as well as 5 feet away from any property line. Chicken excrement should be regularly removed and placed in an approved waste container. Selling chickens or eggs from your property is prohibited, and processing deceased chickens is not allowed in any area visible from a public right of way. Download Chicken Permit Application form for Carrollton, TX.
Dallas, TX. There are no laws addressing the issue of keeping backyard chickens in the city.
Fort Worth, TX. You can keep up to 12 chickens in the city as long as the resident is zoned out. You have to keep them in a chicken coop that is 50 ft. away from other houses. This not only includes the neighbor’s houses but yours as well.
Garland, TX. The limit is two hens per household.
Grand Prairie, TX. Requires you to keep chicken 150 feet away from people’s houses and neighboring structures, which is almost impossible in a city or suburb.
Houston, TX. Residents are allowed to keep chickens on their property as long as they adhere to specific guidelines. The chickens must be confined to a coop with dimensions of 63 feet by 125 feet, and the total number of chickens, geese, ducks, rabbits, peafowl, and guinea pigs must not exceed 30. Additionally, chickens must be kept at least 100 feet away from neighboring residences, and the presence of roosters is not permitted. It is essential to ensure that the chickens remain within the owner’s property and are not allowed to roam freely.
Irving, TX. The Park & Rec department notes that because they recognize the changing demographics, they are not enforcing any restrictions regarding livestock keeping.
Katy, TX. The regulations governing the raising and keeping of livestock and fowl are outlined in Ordinance 2623, sec. I (2.101), which was adopted on March 10, 2014. Unlike some other areas, Katy has relatively relaxed rules in this regard. The ordinance specifies that it is not permitted to raise, keep, breed, or maintain livestock and/or fowl on a tract of land that is smaller than one acre. Furthermore, the animals must be intended for personal, non-commercial use only. If the property size meets the minimum requirement, each one-acre tract can accommodate a maximum of two horses, cows, goats, or sheep, or alternatively, up to 25 rabbits or 25 chickens, or other types of fowl. It is important to note that rabbits, chickens, and other fowl must be kept in enclosed pens, while horses, cows, or sheep must be contained within a fenced area.
Laredo, TX. If you raise six or fewer chickens, there are no restriction set-backs. However, if you raise more than six chickens, pen them at least 100ft from the occupied building, including your own.
Leander, TX. Chickens and rabbits cannot be kept within 50 feet of any residence, except for the residence of the person keeping them. They must be housed in a hutch or coop, as a fenced yard does not qualify. The maximum number of chickens allowed is 10, and owning a rooster is prohibited on properties less than 3 acres. Roosters must be kept in a coop and must be at least 200 feet away from any business, commercial establishment, dwelling, or structure used for human occupancy, excluding the owner’s dwelling.
Lewisville, TX. You may keep five individual chickens per every-fourth acre of land within your premises penned in locations 150 feet away from residents, offices, schools, businesses, churches, and other structures according to laws on separate ownership for human inhabitation use. The coop should offer 100 square feet of run area for birds kept on the premises. To reduce potential noise disturbance to nearby premises, roosters that can crow should not be within 1500 feet of any residential dwelling.
Longview, TX. As long as the structure has secure tops, bottoms, and sides and offers shelter from the rain, you may keep an unlimited number of chickens. The area should be 100 feet away from any neighboring residents.
Mansfield, TX. You require 20,000 square feet of land to keep chickens.
Murphy, TX. Regulation limits raising chicken to two hens
Plano, TX. In September 2021, The Plano City Council approved ordinance changes allowing for the keeping of certain livestock on residential properties. Backyard hens are permitted, but roosters and other fowl are prohibited. Properties with one legal dwelling unit can have up to ten (10) adult animals, including dogs, cats, and backyard chickens. Residents must apply for a Backyard Chickens Permit, complete an education course on hen care and sanitation, and provide written authorization from the property owner if they don’t own the property. Proper care, shelter, and sanitation are required, and backyard hen byproducts must comply with regulations when sold. Chickens must be contained within a fenced area, and coops must meet specific size and setback requirements. Sanitary conditions must be maintained, and the ordinances do not override any homeowner association rules or deed restrictions. For more information, residents can contact Animal Services or Building Inspections at 972-769-4360.
Richardson, TX. It is allowed to keep chickens as long as you are able to manage and prevent any disturbances related to noise and odor. It is important that the chickens are not a source of a nuisance that could negatively impact public health, such as creating unpleasant smells or unsanitary conditions.
Round Rock, TX. You are limited to 5 chickens. The coop must be at least 25 ft. away from neighbors. If you can build the chicken structure at least 50 ft. away, you can raise ten hens.
San Antonia, TX. You can have five chickens per household. However, the pen should be 20 feet away from other structures. In 2010 the laws were amended to 3 chickens as long as they are enclosed. If you wish to have more than chicken, you will need a permit.
Sachse, TX. The law limits you to 15 small livestock.
St. Paul, TX. The city does not cover the topic of raising backyard chickens.
Victoria, TX. No person can keep, raise, feed or maintain chicken within the city unless they meet the following conditions. The chicken should be enclosed a minimum of 100 feet away from residents exclusive of the owner’s building. The coop must be kept clean to avoid offensive smells and health hazards. The maximum number of chickens is 25 chickens per household.
Waco, TX. As long as the pen is 200 feet away from neighboring homes, you are allowed to keep your chicken.
Wylie, TX. Raising chicken is prohibited.
Saginaw, TX. The City of Saginaw in Texas has enacted an ordinance, Ordinance No. 2018-05, allowing the keeping of backyard chickens with certain regulations. The ordinance permits residents to keep a maximum of three female chickens on residential properties, provided they obtain a permit from the city. Roosters and other fowl species are prohibited. The ordinance establishes specific standards for keeping backyard chickens, such as the requirement for secure pens or enclosures, cleanliness and sanitation measures, and access to adequate food, shelter, and care. The permit is non-transferable, and its fee is determined by the city’s Master Schedule of Fees, which would need to be consulted for the specific amount. Violations of the ordinance may result in penalties, and the ordinance is deemed cumulative of other city ordinances.
Copperas Cove, TX. The city council amended the City Code Chapter 3 regarding animal and fowl regulations. The ordinance authorized the keeping of hens in residential districts and reorganized the chapter. It defined terms such as “chicken,” “coop,” “hen,” and “rooster.” The ordinance prohibits the keeping of more than six hens in residential zones, with coops required to be at least 20 feet away from neighboring habitable structures. Written notice and permit fees are mandated for owning hens, and roosters were prohibited in residential zones except for agricultural areas
Sugar Land, TX. There are specific regulations outlined in their local ordinance, Sec. 3-18, concerning the keeping of fowl. Generally, it is prohibited to keep fowl on any property, except for public or private lakes or ponds that are managed and maintained by authorized organizations, companies, or corporations. In cases where fowl are permitted, the property owners or responsible organizations must ensure the proper care and maintenance of both the fowl and the property itself. If any fowl become a nuisance to the surrounding residents, it is the responsibility of the property owner or organization to take necessary measures to remove or control them. However, the animal services manager has the authority to grant exceptions to certain requirements in this section, such as for scientific programs, nonprofit organization shows, or activities that promote animal welfare.
Anna, TX. Harboring chickens is allowed in all residential zoning districts, with specific regulations. The maximum number of chickens allowed is twelve per enclosure, with one enclosure permitted on lots smaller than one acre and one chicken per one-eighth acre on lots one acre or larger. Roosters are prohibited on lots smaller than two acres. Chicken enclosures should not be located in the front yard and must be at least ten feet away from habitable structures, side, or rear lot lines. Chicken enclosures on lots smaller than two acres should be screened with a minimum 6-foot fence.
Weatherford, TX, Chicken regulations are outlined in Sec. 14-2-6. Chicken and other Fowl must be kept on premises classified as “AG-Agricultural” and within pens, coops, or hutches that meet the requirements. A minimum distance of 100 feet from any residence or commercial building is required, except for registered pigeons used for competition, which can be located at a minimum of 50 feet. In “AG-Agricultural” areas, up to 150 fowl can be kept. Urban chickens must be kept on premises classified as agricultural or residential, within compliant enclosures located at least 50 feet away from residences or commercial buildings. Proper care and humane treatment of urban chickens are required, including sufficient food, water, shelter, and protection from weather. The maximum number of urban chicken hens allowed varies based on lot size and zoning, ranging from six hens on smaller lots to ten hens per acre on larger lots, with a maximum of 150 hens permitted. Roosters are not allowed. The city council has the authority to grant waivers for distance regulations based on special circumstances, ensuring they do not harm public health, safety, or welfare, and align with the purpose of the regulations.
| City | Chicken Limitations |
|---|---|
| Arlington, TX | – Need land of more than half an acre. – No roosters. – Maximum of 4 hens. – Keep chickens 50 ft. away from neighborhood houses and enclose them in a coop. |
| Austin, TX | – Households can keep up to 10 chickens. – Chickens must be penned 50 ft. away from houses. – Currently, no laws limiting the number of chickens. – Debate about the ban on raising roosters. |
| Baytown, TX | – Chickens must be penned 100 ft. away from neighbors. |
| Dallas, TX | – No laws addressing keeping backyard chickens in the city. |
| Fort Worth, TX | – Can keep up to 12 chickens if the resident is zoned out. – Chickens must be kept in a coop that is 50 ft. away from other houses, including the neighbor’s houses and the resident’s house. |
| Garland, TX | – Limit of 2 hens per household. |
| Grand Prairie, TX | – Chickens must be kept 150 ft. away from people’s houses and neighboring structures, which is almost impossible in a city or suburb. |
| Houston, TX | – Chickens must be penned in a 63 ft. x 125 ft. coop. – Limit of 30 chickens, geese, ducks, rabbits, peafowl, and guinea pigs. |
| Irving, TX | – No restrictions enforced regarding livestock keeping. |
| Laredo, TX | – If raising 6 or fewer chickens, there are no setback restrictions. – If raising more than 6 chickens, pen them at least 100 ft. from any occupied building, including the resident’s own building. |
| Lewisville, TX | – Can keep 5 individual chickens per every fourth acre of land within the premises. – Chickens must be penned in locations 150 ft. away from residents, offices, schools, businesses, churches, and other structures. – Coop should offer 100 square feet of run area for birds kept on the premises. – Roosters that can crow should not be within 1500 ft. of any residential dwelling to reduce potential noise disturbance. |
| Longview, TX | – Can keep an unlimited number of chickens as long as the structure has secure tops, bottoms, and sides and offers shelter from the rain. – Chickens must be kept 100 ft. away from any neighboring residents. |
| Mansfield, TX | – Need 20,000 square feet of land to keep chickens. |
| Murphy, TX | – Limit of 2 hens per household. |
| Plano, TX | – No prohibitions from keeping chickens. |
| Richardson, TX | – Can keep chickens as long as the noise and smell are controlled. |
| Round Rock, TX | – Limit of 5 chickens. – Coop must be at least 25 ft. away from neighbors. – Can raise 10 hens if the coop is built at least 50 ft. away. |
| San Antonio, TX | – Can have up to 5 chickens per household. – Chickens must be penned 20 ft. away from other structures. – Laws were amended in 2010 to allow up to 3 chickens as long as they are enclosed. – Need a permit to have more than 3 chickens. |
| Sachse, TX | – Limit of 15 small livestock. |
| St. Paul, TX | – No |
Can HOA ban chickens in Texas?
When it comes to raising backyard chickens in suburban and urban areas of Texas, there are several important factors to consider. One of the most crucial considerations is the rules and regulations set by the Home Owners Association (HOA) in the area.
Even in areas where there are no regulations from municipal authorities concerning backyard chickens, the HOA may have restrictions on raising chickens. It is important to understand the HOA rules and regulations before keeping chickens in your backyard in Texas, as failure to comply with these rules can result in fines or other penalties.
In Texas, HOAs are responsible for managing and maintaining shared spaces within a neighborhood, including setting rules and regulations that promote a cohesive and attractive community. Common regulations that may apply to backyard chicken raising include limitations on the number of chickens allowed, the size and type of coop that is permitted, and requirements for the upkeep and maintenance of the chickens and their living space.
Furthermore, the HOA may require that the chickens be kept in a specific area of the yard or that the coop be hidden from view from the street or neighboring properties to maintain the overall appearance and atmosphere of the community.
Texas Chicken Law 2022
Great news for homeowners who keep chickens or rabbits in their backyards! As of January 2022, the HB 2535 bill has officially come into force, providing protection from increased property taxes due to the value of coops or pens on the property.
Under this new law, tax assessors are no longer allowed to consider the value of coops or pens when assessing the overall value of the property. This means that homeowners who keep these animals can breathe a sigh of relief knowing that they will not be subject to higher property taxes due to the presence of these structures.
But that’s not all – the HB 2535 bill also includes exemptions for larger coops that are constructed in repurposed sheds or garages. Previously, these structures may have been included in the property value, leading to increased property taxes for homeowners. However, under the new law, these larger coops may be exempt for the first time, providing even more relief for homeowners who keep chickens or rabbits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is backyard chicken keeping, and why is it popular in Texas?
A: Backyard chicken keeping involves raising chickens in a household’s backyard for their eggs, and entertainment, and to support self-sufficient living. It has become popular in Texas, especially after the Covid-19 pandemic, as it teaches the importance of being self-sufficient, and chickens require little maintenance, provide a great source of food, and can be a source of entertainment when stuck at home.
Q: What are the benefits of raising backyard chickens in Texas?
A: There are several benefits to raising backyard chickens in Texas. Firstly, it provides a great source of food in the form of fresh eggs. Secondly, chickens are a great way to bring people together as enthusiasts take notice flock together to talk about chickens. Thirdly, they help keep pests in check, and their poop is an excellent natural fertilizer. Lastly, backyard chicken keeping is better and more sustainable than factory farming as it reduces the risk of the spread of disease and bacteria that are antibiotic-resistant and can help manage waste outputs.
Q: Are there any laws about keeping backyard chickens in Texas?
A: Yes, there are laws and regulations about keeping backyard chickens in Texas, and they vary from city to city. In some areas, laws prohibit people from owning more than a certain number of chickens, and in some areas, you cannot raise backyard chickens. In other cases, you may be required to get a permit.
Q: What are some examples of laws about keeping backyard chickens in Texas cities?
A: The laws about keeping backyard chickens vary from city to city in Texas. For example, in Arlington, TX, you need land that’s more than half an acre to raise hens. You can only keep a maximum of four hens, and you need to keep them 50 ft. away from neighborhood houses and enclose them in a coop. In Austin, TX, a household can keep ten chickens penned 50ft. away from the houses. There are no laws addressing the issue of keeping backyard chickens in the city of Dallas, TX. You can keep up to 12 chickens in the city of Fort Worth, TX, as long as the resident is zoned out. In Houston, TX, you must keep your chickens penned in a 63 feet*125 feet coop measurement, and the limit is 30 chickens, geese, ducks, rabbits, peafowl, and guinea pig.
Conclusion
In raising backyard chickens in Texas, you need flexible expectations. You may want to have a flock of hens, but if your city or HOA determines your limit are two, you will need to adhere.
Thriving backyard chicken communities have emerged in counties like Travis, Harris, Tarrant, and Bexar. These counties have favorable climates, urban agriculture initiatives, and progressive regulations that have encouraged residents to keep chickens in their backyards. The passion for backyard chickens extends beyond Travis County, reflecting a growing trend across the state.
Backyard chicken keeping practices vary between urban and rural areas. In urban counties, such as Travis and Harris, space constraints and regulations have prompted creative solutions like vertical coops and community collaborations. Rural counties, on the other hand, offer more space for larger flocks and free-ranging opportunities. This contrast highlights the resourcefulness and adaptability of backyard chicken enthusiasts in Texas.
The popularity of backyard chicken keeping has soared in Texas over the past decade as more individuals and families seek self-sufficiency, sustainable food sources, and a deeper connection to their food. Counties like Williamson and Collin have experienced significant increases in backyard chicken populations, showcasing the broader trend of embracing this fulfilling practice. Understanding these trends provides valuable insights into the motivations driving the rise of backyard chicken keeping and the evolving dynamics within each county.
