Backyard Livestock Laws in Texas
Texas does not have a statewide preemption law that standardizes livestock ordinances across all municipalities — rules are set at the city and county level. This guide covers the major cities and counties in Texas where backyard livestock questions are most commonly searched.
Texas state law generally prevents cities from being overly restrictive on food production activities, but poultry is explicitly carved out in most interpretations — cities retain substantial authority to regulate chickens. Texas has particularly permissive rural residential standards due to its Right to Farm Act.
Major Texas Cities — Chicken & Livestock Rules Summary
| City / County | Current Rules (verify locally) |
|---|---|
| Austin | Up to 10 hens, no roosters, no permit required, no setback specified in code |
| Houston | Chickens permitted in most residential zones; no formal permit required |
| Dallas | Up to 6 hens, roosters prohibited, must be in enclosed pen |
| San Antonio | Up to 6 hens per single-family home, enclosed pen required |
| Fort Worth | Chickens permitted in residential zones with use permit; goats require 1-acre minimum |
| Plano | Up to 4 hens, no roosters, 25 ft from any property line |
Data current as of late 2024. Ordinances change — always verify with your local planning department.
State-Level Registration Requirements
Beekeeping: Texas requires registration of all managed honey bee hives with the Texas Department of Agriculture. Contact your state's apiary division for current registration fees and requirements.
Livestock generally: Texas does not require state-level registration for small-scale backyard livestock (chickens, goats, rabbits) below commercial thresholds. However, certain disease reporting requirements may apply if your flock shows signs of reportable diseases — contact your state Department of Agriculture's animal health division for details.
Finding Unincorporated County Rules in Texas
If your property is in an unincorporated area (not within city limits), county zoning rules apply rather than municipal ordinances. County rules are generally more permissive than city ordinances. To confirm whether you're incorporated or unincorporated, check your county assessor's parcel records — the "jurisdiction" or "municipality" field will show if you're in a city or in unincorporated county territory.