Texas Backyard Chicken Laws
Backyard chicken requirements vary by municipality and zoning. Find your researched Texas city or county below.
Quick legal answer
Are backyard chickens legal in Texas?
Conditional — rules vary by municipality or zoning
- Hen limit
- Varies by city
- Roosters
- Varies by city; nuisance rules may also apply
- Permit
- Varies by municipality
- Setback
- Varies by municipality and zoning district
- Zoning
- Your city or county ordinance controls
Last verified: May 2026
Official source varies by municipalityOrdinances and zoning rules change. Confirm the current requirements with your municipality before buying birds or building a coop.
10
Cities allow chickens
0
Cities ban chickens
0
Conditional rules
10
Cities covered
Important: Local zoning and animal ordinances determine whether a particular property qualifies. Confirm the city or county rule that applies to your address. HOA covenants can also be more restrictive.
Easiest cities
Strictest cities
Austin
No fixed max. 50 ft from another residence or business for enclosures with two or more fowl
Converse
Up to 8 hens. At least 50 ft from buildings other than the owner's; 20 ft from the owner's sleeping, dining, or living structures
Dallas
No fixed max. Rooster enclosures historically referenced a 20 ft property-line setback; verify current state-law effect
El Paso
Up to 5 hens. Permit and zoning rules apply when keeping 6 or more rabbits or fowl
Fort Worth
Up to 12 hens. More than 50 ft from regulated structures
Grandview
Up to 7 hens. Coop must be in the backyard at least 10 ft from occupied structures and 10 ft from property lines
Houston
Up to 30 hens. 100 ft from neighboring residences, churches, schools, or hospitals
Olney
Up to 6 hens. Coop and exercise area must meet rear yard accessory building setback requirements
San Antonio
Up to 8 hens. No standard setback for 8 or fewer fowl; excess animal permits require distance rules
San Marcos
Up to 8 hens. Hen coop or cage must be at least 30 ft from neighboring residences
About Texas Chicken Laws
Backyard chicken requirements in Texas vary across cities, counties, and zoning districts. Local rules address flock size, roosters, permits, coop setbacks, sanitation, and property qualifications.
Always verify rules directly with your city clerk or planning department before purchasing birds or building a coop. Laws change — our pages include a last-verified date and link directly to the municipal code for each city.
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