Backyard Chickens in San Antonio, Texas

What the San Antonio Ordinance Says

San Antonio regulates backyard chickens under Chapter 5, Section 5-107, “Animal limits; excess animal permit.” A residence may keep up to eight domestic fowl. Only one of those domestic fowl may be a rooster.

The ordinance requires adequate facilities and sanitation. Domestic fowl must be kept in a coop and run that is at least 24 square feet in size, or at least six square feet per fowl, whichever is larger. Fowl must be confined in a way that does not create a nuisance, and sanitation must prevent pest attraction.

If an owner wants more than eight domestic fowl, they must apply for an excess animal permit. That permit is valid for one year. Larger flocks trigger distance requirements from other occupied dwellings or businesses: at least 50 feet for excess fowl, 75 feet for 26 to 50 fowl, and 100 feet for 51 or more fowl.

What This Means in Plain English

San Antonio is one of the clearer large-city Texas ordinances. For a normal residential backyard, up to eight domestic fowl are allowed without an excess animal permit. One rooster may be included in that eight-bird count, though roosters are still a neighbor-relations risk.

The practical requirement is housing. A small flock needs a properly enclosed coop and run, and the space rule scales with bird count. For example, eight fowl require at least 48 square feet because six square feet per bird is larger than the 24-square-foot minimum.

Practical Considerations

Heat Management

San Antonio summers are hard on chickens. Plan for shade, ventilation, large water capacity, and heat-tolerant breeds. Avoid overcrowding; the legal minimum is not always the best welfare standard.

Roosters

One rooster is allowed under the ordinance, but a rooster can still create nuisance problems. If your goal is eggs, hens do not need a rooster.

Excess Flocks

More than eight fowl moves you into permit territory. That adds inspections and setback requirements that may be impossible on smaller lots.

Getting Started

1. Decide whether you can stay at eight or fewer fowl.
2. Check HOA or deed restrictions.
3. Size the coop and run using the larger of 24 square feet total or six square feet per fowl.
4. Keep feed in pest-resistant storage.
5. Contact San Antonio Animal Care Services before exceeding eight fowl.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I have chickens in San Antonio, TX?

Yes. San Antonio allows up to eight domestic fowl at a residence without an excess animal permit.

Are roosters allowed in San Antonio?

Yes. One rooster is allowed as part of the eight domestic fowl permitted at a residence.

Do I need a permit for chickens in San Antonio?

Not for eight or fewer domestic fowl. You need an excess animal permit if you want to exceed that number.