Quick Summary
Limit: 6 hens · Roosters: Prohibited · Permit: Use permit required · Setback: 25 ft from any adjacent structure · Code: Fort Worth City Code § 6-100Fort Worth's Chicken Ordinance
Fort Worth City Code § 6-100 permits up to 6 hens in residential zones with a use permit from the Fort Worth Development Services Department. Fort Worth's approach is more formal than neighboring Dallas (which requires no permit) but similar to Austin in requiring a one-time use permit before acquiring birds.
Fort Worth has a strong ranching and agricultural heritage that makes the urban chicken community active and well-established. The City of Fort Worth's Animal Care and Control division and the Tarrant County AgriLife Extension office are both strong local resources.
Key Rules
- Up to 6 hens per single-family residential lot
- Roosters are prohibited in residential zones
- A use permit from Development Services is required
- Coop must be at least 25 feet from any adjacent structure
- Rear yard required
- Coop must be predator-proof and weatherproof
- Feed in sealed, rodent-proof containers
Fort Worth vs. DFW Peer Cities
| City | Limit | Permit | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fort Worth | 6 hens | Use permit required | 25 ft from adjacent structure |
| Dallas | 6 hens | No permit | Enclosed pen required |
| Arlington | 6 hens | Permit required | 25 ft setback |
| Plano | 4 hens | No permit | 25 ft from property line |
| Irving | 6 hens | Permit required | 25 ft setback |
| Mansfield | 4 hens | Permit required | 25 ft setback |
Frequently Asked Questions
Fort Worth Development Services at 200 Texas St issues the permits. Applications are available at fortworthtexas.gov. You'll need a completed application, a site sketch showing property boundaries, house location, and coop placement with setback measurements labeled. The use permit fee is approximately $100–$150. Processing: 2–3 weeks.
Fort Worth's standard residential zones (A-5, A-10, B) do not permit goats. Properties in Fort Worth's more rural outer zones (FR, AG) may permit livestock including goats. Contact Fort Worth Development Services at (817) 392-8028 with your specific address and zoning district for current goat provisions.
Fort Worth's DFW metro summers (regularly 100°F+) require heat-tolerant breeds. Best performers in North Texas heat: ISA Browns, Rhode Island Reds, Leghorns, and Easter Eggers. Avoid heavily feathered breeds (Cochins, Brahmas) which overheat badly. Ensure constant shade, multiple waterers checked twice daily, and excellent coop ventilation. Tarrant County AgriLife Extension (817-884-1945) publishes North Texas-specific poultry management guides.
Related Guides
CityHouston Chicken RulesHouston's no-limit, no-permit model.CityAustin Chicken RulesAustin's 10-hen, no-permit approach.StateTexas Livestock LawsAll major Texas cities.
Disclaimer: Ordinances change frequently. Always verify current rules with your local planning department before acquiring any animals.