San Antonio Quick Summary
Limit: Up to 6 hens · Roosters: Prohibited in residential zones · Permit: Not required · Setback: Enclosed structure required; 25 ft from neighbor's dwelling · Code: San Antonio City Code § 21-65
San Antonio's Chicken Ordinance
San Antonio City Code § 21-65 permits up to 6 hens on single-family residential properties without a permit. San Antonio's rules are fairly standard for a large Texas city — no permit required, hens only, and an enclosure requirement. The 25-foot setback from any neighboring dwelling is the main constraint in San Antonio's many moderately dense residential neighborhoods.
San Antonio is the second-largest city in Texas and covers an enormous geographic area — from dense urban infill near downtown to sprawling suburban neighborhoods on the outer loop. Rules apply uniformly across city limits, but enforcement is complaint-driven and varies significantly in practice across these different contexts.
Key Rules at a Glance
- Up to 6 hens per single-family residential property
- Roosters are prohibited in residential zones
- No permit required
- Coop must be at least 25 feet from any neighboring dwelling
- Hens must be kept in an enclosed structure at all times
- No free-ranging outside a secured enclosure in urban residential zones
- Feed stored in sealed, vermin-proof containers required
| Rule | Detail | Notes | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flock limit | 6 hens | Does not include roosters | San Antonio Code § 21-65 |
| Roosters | Prohibited | Noise nuisance enforcement | San Antonio Code § 21-65 |
| Permit | Not required | Self-compliance model | San Antonio Code § 21-65 |
| Setback | 25 ft from neighboring dwelling | Measured to outer wall | San Antonio Code § 21-65 |
| Enclosure | Required at all times | Secure, weatherproof | San Antonio Code § 21-65 |
How San Antonio Compares to Nearby Cities
| City | Limit | Permit | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Antonio | 6 hens | None | 25 ft from neighbor's dwelling |
| Austin | 10 hens | None | None specified |
| Houston | No limit | None | None specified |
| Dallas | 6 hens | None | Enclosed pen |
| Corpus Christi | 6 hens | Permit required | 25 ft setback |
| Laredo | 4 hens | Permit required | 25 ft setback |
Frequently Asked Questions
No — Bexar County (unincorporated areas) has its own, generally more permissive rules. San Antonio's ordinance applies only within San Antonio city limits. If you're in unincorporated Bexar County — areas outside city limits but within the county — county rules apply. Confirm your jurisdiction using the Bexar County Appraisal District parcel search.
No — enforcement is complaint-driven, and the experience varies significantly by area. Dense urban neighborhoods near downtown and established residential areas see more enforcement activity simply because neighbors are closer. Outer suburban areas of the city (far northwest San Antonio, far south) tend to see less complaint-driven enforcement activity, though the rules are technically the same.
San Antonio's code covers 'chickens and similar domestic fowl' — ducks are included in the same 6-bird limit. No drakes (male ducks) due to noise. The same enclosure and setback requirements apply. San Antonio's hot climate makes water management for ducks challenging; the standing water requirements for ducks can create mosquito issues that generate separate code complaints.
Related Guides
City GuideAustin Chicken OrdinanceAustin's more permissive approach.City GuideHouston Chicken RulesHouston's no-limit model.State GuideTexas Livestock LawsAll major Texas cities.
Disclaimer: Ordinances change. Always verify current rules with San Antonio's Planning or Zoning department before acquiring any animals.