Curious about keeping chickens in Garland, Texas? You’re in the right place. Garland’s animal ordinance lays out clear—but sometimes overlooked—rules and requirements for raising backyard fowl. Below is a comprehensive breakdown in plain language, covering everything from how many hens you’re allowed to keep, to coop standards, registrations, enforcement, and local context.
1. Can You Keep Chickens in Garland?
Yes—you can legally keep backyard chickens in Garland, but under city-specific rules. The city code permits keeping up to four female fowl (such as hens, ducks, geese) over the age of one month. Male birds—like roosters or peacocks—are strictly prohibited. There’s no need for a special permit if you’re within these limits.
2. How Many Is Too Many?
Garland’s rules limit you to no more than four female fowl at any given time. Whether you have one hen or four, that is your maximum under current ordinance. Exceeding this number would be a violation and could result in penalties.
3. Location Requirements & Enclosure Standards
Your chickens must be kept in a secure enclosure located in the rear yard. This enclosure must meet the following standards:
- At least 30 feet away from any residential dwelling other than your own.
- Composed of sturdy materials—either a solid 4-foot wall or wire fencing tough enough to prevent escapes or predator access.
- Coops must provide a minimum of 2 square feet of floor space per bird—or 6 square feet per bird if they’re kept exclusively inside the coop.
- Coops must be covered, ventilated, predator-resistant, and well-maintained. They must be cleaned regularly to prevent odors or pests.
- Feed must be stored in rodent- and predator-proof containers.
4. Do You Need to Register?
Yes. Garland requires you to register each year if you keep any chickens or similar fowl. The process involves signing off on the city rules, paying a small fee for administration, and renewing annually. City officials may inspect your setup to verify compliance.
5. Zoning & Slaughter Rules
Keeping chickens is allowed only on single-family residential lots—not multifamily dwellings. Slaughtering or butchering birds on your residential property is strictly prohibited.
6. Sanitation & Nuisance Standards
Garland emphasizes community harmony and cleanliness. Your setup must:
- Avoid any smell or nuisance detectable at neighboring property lines.
- Remove manure at least twice weekly—or more depending on flock size.
- Store food and water in ways that prevent pest attraction.
- Be maintained so that no disease, rodent, or public health issues arise.
7. Enforcement & Penalties
Violating the chicken ordinance in Garland is a Class C misdemeanor. This could lead to warnings, citations, and fines if you’re not in compliance. If your birds are impounded, they must be reclaimed promptly—or they may be humanely euthanized after a short holding period.
8. Summary Table
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Allowed Animals | Up to 4 female fowl (over 1 month old); no roosters or male peafowl |
| Location | Rear yard enclosure only, ≥30 ft from other dwellings |
| Enclosure Requirements | Secure, ventilated, covered, predator-resistant; 2–6 sq ft per bird |
| Registration | Mandatory; annual renewal required |
| Slaughter | Butchering on-site is prohibited |
| Sanitation | Frequent cleaning, proper feed storage, odor control required |
| Penalties | Violations are Class C misdemeanors; impoundment possible |
9. FAQs
Can I keep four hens plus two ducks?
No—your total must not exceed four female fowl of any type combined.
Can I keep food scraps in the coop?
Yes, as long as it’s properly stored in impervious, pest-proof containers and cleaned frequently.
Are roosters ever allowed?
No—male birds like roosters or peacocks are not permitted under any circumstances.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens?
No permit—but annual registration is required, acknowledging your compliance with the rules.
What if my coop meets all standards but neighbors complain about noise?
If complaints arise, city inspectors may visit. Provided your setup complies with setback and sanitation rules, you’re likely in the clear. However, maintaining good neighbor relations is wise.
10. Practical Tips for Garland Chicken Keepers
- Draw a scaled site plan showing coop placement and distance from other homes.
- Build a coop that’s easy to clean with removable bedding trays.
- Use secure latches and hardware cloth to prevent predators.
- Implement a regular cleaning schedule and document it.
- Keep detailed feeding and maintenance logs—it shows diligence in case of inspections.
- Talk to your neighbors—offer them fresh eggs or coop photos to build goodwill.
11. Final Thoughts
Garland offers a structured, clear path for residents who want to keep backyard chickens—if you follow the rules. Stick to four female fowl max, keep them tidy and properly enclosed, register each year, and stay mindful of your neighbors. With thoughtful planning and care, backyard chickens in Garland can be both legal and rewarding.