Are Chickens Allowed in Killeen City Limits?
Yes — hens (female chickens) are allowed in Killeen, Texas, under specific rules. However, roosters and other fowl are not permitted in residential zoning districts. Below is a detailed breakdown of what is & isn’t allowed, what the rules are, and what to watch out for.
Official Ordinance / Code Details
The City of Killeen passed Ordinance No. 23-013, amending Chapter 6 (“Animals”) of its municipal Code to include provisions for backyard chickens and miniature poultry. This ordinance officially allows chickens under certain restrictions.
What the Killeen Ordinance Permits
- Up to 8 hens (female chickens) are allowed per single-family residence.
- The hens must be kept in a coop that is at least 25 feet away from any habitable structure on a neighboring property.
- No roosters or other types of fowl (male chickens, turkeys, etc.) are allowed in residential zoning districts.
What Is Still Prohibited or Restricted
- You cannot keep roosters or male chickens in a residential zone. If you want a rooster, it would not be allowed under current rules.
- Other fowl (such as turkeys, pheasants, etc.) are likewise prohibited in residential zoning unless otherwise specified under non-residential or special zoning.
Additional Details / Considerations
- The coop must be properly constructed and maintained. The ordinance refers to “confinement in coop” and requires certain standards regarding how chickens are housed.
- Placement of the coop: the 25-foot setback from neighboring habitable structures is intended to reduce nuisance, odor, and noise issues.
- If you own the property, or if permitted, you may have up to 8 hens. If your property is under HOA rules or special zoning, there may be additional restrictions. The city ordinance is the minimum. Always double check for overlays (HOA, deed restrictions) that might be stricter.
- The rules apply to residential zoning districts. If your property is zoned differently (agricultural, etc.), the regulations might vary.
What to Do Before Getting Chickens in Killeen
- Check your zoning — make sure your residence is in a zone where backyard hens are allowed under the city code.
- Inspect property setbacks — measure distance from your coop to any neighboring habitable structure to ensure it’s at least 25 feet.
- Check HOA or deed restrictions — even though city law permits hens, private covenants may have stricter rules.
- Build a proper coop — with secure enclosure, protection from predators, clean maintenance, coop design that keeps odor and pests under control.
- Maintain good relations with neighbors — even legal chickens can cause complaints about noise, smell, or appearance if not kept well.
- Stay updated on local rules — Killeen recently updated its animal ordinances, so it’s possible further changes may occur.
Current Status & Pending Changes
Prior to this ordinance, keeping chickens inside city limits was not addressed clearly, which created some ambiguity. In 2023, the Killeen City Council considered amendments to city code to allow for backyard chicken coops. Under the proposed change, homeowners would be allowed up to 12 hens with coops no less than 25 feet from neighboring habitable structures. However, what ended up in ordinance No. 23-013 allows for 8 hens.
Conclusion
In summary: Yes, chickens are allowed in the city limits of Killeen — but only hens (up to 8 per residence), kept in a coop, and with setbacks (25 feet from neighboring habitable structures). Roosters and other fowl are not allowed in residential zones.
If you want, I can write a full HTML guide for “How to Keep Chickens Legally in Killeen” — including coop plans, estimated costs, and sample layouts that comply with the 25-ft setback rule. Do you want me to do that next?
