Chicken Laws in Texas by City and County Area

If you’re thinking about keeping backyard chickens in Texas, you should know that there’s no statewide rule. Cities and towns set their own ordinances. Counties generally do not regulate chickens—so local laws vary widely. Some places allow hens easily, others require permits or limit numbers. Before you begin, check with your city or town office.

How Chicken Laws Work in Texas

Texas doesn’t have a statewide chicken‑keeping law, so it’s up to cities and towns to regulate them. Most local rules cover number of hens, bans on roosters, coop placement, sanitation, and whether a permit or training class is required. Homeowners’ associations may also forbid chickens—even if the city allows them.

Example Cities and Their Rules

Saginaw (Tarrant County)

Residents may keep up to six female chickens with a city permit. A one-time $20 fee applies. Permits are valid until you move or stop keeping hens or until they’re revoked. Violations (two within 12 months) may lead to revocation. Inspections are required ​after you apply.

North Richland Hills (Tarrant County)

A new ordinance allows hens based on lot size and setbacks:
– If the coop is **less than 30 feet** from neighbors, **no chickens** allowed.
– At **30 feet or more**, up to six hens.
– At **50 feet or more**, allowances increase: up to ten hens on 8,400–½‑acre lots; 15 hens on ½–¾ acre; 18 hens on lots over ¾ acre.
A permit is required (no fee). You must take a training course and submit a site plan and coop details. Landlord approval required if you’re not the owner. Roosters are banned; chickens must stay in the rear yard and coop/run must meet setbacks and sanitation rules.

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Mansfield (Tarrant County)

Chickens must never roam free and must be kept in a coop or exercise yard unless supervised or in extreme weather. Food must be stored securely—no scraps on the ground. Roosters are banned in residential areas unless on agricultural land. Coops must stay at least 100 feet from private wells. Egg sales for consumption are not allowed.

Crandall (Kaufman County)

Only properties in certain single-family zones may have chickens. Up to ten hens are allowed. Coops must be at least 25 feet from dwelling doors/windows, 5 feet from side yards, 18 inches from rear lines, and cannot be in the front yard. Each hen needs 2 sq ft inside; runs must be secure and ventilated. Coops and runs must be clean and free of odor. No roosters, no outdoor slaughtering. A permit is required.

Plano (Collin County)

Chickens are allowed under city ordinance. Wings must be clipped so hens can’t fly out of a six-foot fence. Chickens may not be slaughtered at home. Otherwise, typical sanitation, containment, and coop distance rules apply.

Denton (Denton County)

Up to eight hens allowed on residential property, with coop at least 50 feet from any building. Roosters are prohibited for small lots. Rules require containment, secure enclosures, and basic cleanliness.

Fort Worth (Tarrant County)

Roosters and other fowl must be kept in pens or coops at all times. Coops must be cleaned daily, and waste must be properly managed. General containment and sanitation rules apply to hens as well.

Other Noted Texas Cities

  • Buda: Allows hens under certain conditions—permit, setback, no roosters, personal use only.
  • Kyle, League City, Galveston, Wimberley, Rowlett, Corpus Christi: All reported to allow chickens with limits and coop rules.
  • Heath: Same—permit and setback rules apply.
  • Dallas: Allows hens; roosters restricted by noise ordinances.
  • Fort Worth: Limits number based on lot size, setbacks apply; roosters limited.
  • Corpus Christi: Permits hens with coop regulations and no roosters on small lots.
  • Poetry, Texas: Known to allow chickens informally; local rules apply.
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HB 2013 and HOA Matters

In 2025, proposed House Bill 2013 would restrict HOA bans on backyard chickens in cities like San Antonio and Austin—allowing residents to keep up to six hens despite HOA rules. The bill isn’t law yet. Meanwhile, recent “Right to Farm” legislation in Texas has protected many urban chicken keepers from city bans—but issues remain around noise, odor, and neighbor concerns. Even if a city allows chickens, your HOA may still ban them.

Common Themes in Texas Chicken Laws

  • No state rules—local ordinances decide.
  • Most cities limit hens to 6–10 depending on lot size and setbacks.
  • Roosters typically banned unless on agricultural lots.
  • Permits are common—often with fees, site plans, inspections, or training.
  • Coops and runs must be properly setback from property lines, wells, or neighboring structures.
  • Chickens must be enclosed, predator-proof, secure, and sanitary.
  • Waste and feed must be managed to avoid pests and odor.
  • Nighttime containment and wing clipping rules may apply.
  • Egg sales, breeding, or slaughter are usually prohibited for backyard flocks.
  • HOA rules may override city allowances.

Checklist Before You Start Keeping Chickens in Texas

  • Check if your property falls inside city or town limits—or is unincorporated county land.
  • Contact your city or town’s ordinance, planning, or code enforcement department.
  • Ask if a permit or registration is required, and what conditions apply (e.g. training, inspections).
  • Find out how many hens are allowed and if roosters are banned or limited.
  • Review setback rules for coop placement from property lines, neighbors, wells, or drainage.
  • Plan your coop and run size based on permitted square feet per bird.
  • Ensure coop and enclosure are ventilated, secure from predators, and easily cleaned.
  • Store feed in sealed containers; keep manure managed and sanitary.
  • Know rules about wing clipping or nighttime confinement.
  • Check whether egg sales, slaughter, or breeding is prohibited.
  • If you’re in an HOA, review its rules—your permit might not override them.
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Why These Rules Matter

These local rules aim to balance public health and neighborhood comfort. A poorly maintained coop can attract rodents or smell bad. Roosters can crow early and disturb neighbors. Setbacks keep coops away from sensitive areas like wells and drains. Permits and inspections help keep conditions safe and clean. Wing clipping prevents birds from wandering off. By following local rules and being a good neighbor, you can enjoy raising chickens responsibly and legally in Texas.

Conclusion

Texas doesn’t have one law for backyard chickens—each city or town writes its own rules. Places like Saginaw, North Richland Hills, Mansfield, Crandall, Plano, Denton, and Fort Worth all have clear ordinances. Others like Dallas, Galveston, Corpus Christi, Buda, and League City allow hens with various conditions. Before getting chicks, check with your local officials, plan a proper coop in the right location, and follow permit and sanitation rules. Then you’ll be set to enjoy fresh eggs the legal way!

Best of luck with your Texas backyard flock!


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