Texas does not currently have a statewide law governing backyard chickens. That means whether you can keep hens in your yard depends largely on what your city or town allows—and, if you’re in an HOA, what your HOA permits. However, a new bill (HB 2013) is currently making its way through the legislature, which could change HOA enforcement where municipalities already allow chickens.
1. No Universal State Law—Everything Depends on Local Rules
- Texas doesn’t have a statewide regulation for keeping chickens or other backyard fowl—each city or town sets its own rules. Counties generally do not regulate this; zoning tends to be municipal.:contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
- Some cities allow hens with permits or under limits (e.g., Plano has permits; Fort Worth allows up to 12 fowl on ½-acre lots). Others may ban chickens outright.:contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
2. A Proposed Bill: HB 2013 Could Override HOA Bans
HB 2013, introduced in spring 2025, aims to prevent HOAs from banning backyard chickens—if the local rules already allow them. In other words, if your municipality allows chickens, your HOA couldn’t forbid them outright. Reasonable restrictions, such as coop placement or number limits, would still be allowed.:contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
3. What About HOAs—and What’s Already Law?
- Previous legislation—HB 1686—already prevented both municipalities and HOAs from prohibiting up to 6 hens and allowed cottage food operations, subject to reasonable noise and odor controls.:contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
- HB 2013 builds on that by explicitly blocking HOAs from banning chickens entirely when local rules allow. But the bill is still under legislative review and not yet enacted.:contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
4. Examples from Texas Cities
- Houston: Thanks to the “Right to Farm” bill, residents can legally keep backyard chickens—including roosters or pigs—in many cases. Still, city zoning and HOA rules might limit practical implementation.:contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
- Fort Worth: Permits up to 12 fowl (like chickens or ducks) on properties that are at least ½-acre, with limits on rooster count and zoning rules.:contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
- Plano: Chickens are allowed but require a permit; roosters and other fowl remain prohibited.:contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
5. Summary Table: State, Local, HOA, and Proposed Law
| Authority | Current Stance | Practical Effect |
|---|---|---|
| State Law | No general statewide regulation—municipalities regulate chickens | You must check city or town code for rules or bans |
| HOAs | Often prohibit chickens or set strict limits | HOA CC&Rs typically enforceable, unless overwritten by legislation |
| HB 1686 (existing law) | Municipalities and HOAs cannot ban up to 6 hens, plus gardeners and cottage food ops | Limited protection that some cities still override |
| HB 2013 (proposed) | Would stop HOAs from banning chickens if allowed by city | Could significantly expand rights—but not law yet |
6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I legally keep chickens in Texas?
Maybe—you’ll need to check your city’s zoning. Some allow them with permits, others restrict them severely.:contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}
Do HOAs automatically ban chickens?
Many do. Unless your area is exempted by statute (like via HB 1686), HOA rules typically apply—and could restrict chicken ownership.
What does HB 2013 propose?
It would prevent HOAs from banning chickens when the municipality already allows them. It does not override city rules—it only limits HOA power.:contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}
Is HB 2013 law yet?
No—it passed the House in April 2025 and is awaiting a vote in the Senate.:contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}
Does this affect rural or unincorporated areas?
For those in unincorporated areas, county-level restrictions are rare. Many rely on default, relatively permissive rules—and HOA rules may still apply.:contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}
Final Thoughts
If you’re interested in raising backyard chickens in Texas, start by checking your city’s zoning code. If your city allows hens, but your HOA has restrictions, HB 2013 could be a game-changer—but it’s not law yet. In the meantime, existing protections like HB 1686 may offer limited support. To move forward confidently, confirm local rules, review your HOA’s CC&Rs, and keep an eye on HB 2013’s legislative progress.