Chicken Laws by County in Texas
Raising backyard chickens in Texas sounds like a dream—fresh eggs, self-sufficiency, and a feathered flock in your own yard. But before you start building a coop, there’s one important thing you need to check: your local chicken laws.
Texas is a chicken-friendly state overall, but laws vary widely by county, city, and zoning district. This article breaks down chicken ordinances by county across Texas so you can confidently raise chickens—legally and responsibly.
Are Chickens Legal in Texas?
Yes, chickens are legal in most parts of Texas. However, each city or county can set its own rules, especially within residential and suburban areas. The biggest factors that affect legality include:
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Your zoning classification
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Whether you live inside city limits
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Flock size limits
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Rules about roosters
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Coop placement and cleanliness
Let’s walk through the chicken laws by county across Texas.
Harris County (Houston)
Can you keep chickens in Houston?
Yes, but with clear guidelines.
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Allowed: Chickens, ducks, turkeys, and other fowl.
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Distance rule: Coops must be 100 feet from any neighboring residence.
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No permit required, but zoning restrictions apply.
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Roosters are not explicitly banned, but noise ordinances apply.
Houston’s “100-foot rule” often makes it hard to keep chickens in smaller residential lots. If you’re on a standard suburban property, you may be out of luck unless you get neighbor approval or apply for a variance.
Dallas County (Dallas)
Are chickens allowed in Dallas?
Yes—but with restrictions.
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Chickens are legal in the city of Dallas.
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Limit: No more than 5 birds total on a residential lot.
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Roosters are not allowed.
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Coops must be clean and odor-free.
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No permit required, but animal services may inspect if complaints arise.
If you’re outside Dallas city limits in unincorporated areas, the rules are usually more relaxed, especially in agricultural zones.
Travis County (Austin)
What are Austin’s rules on backyard chickens?
Austin is famously chicken-friendly.
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Up to 10 chickens allowed per household.
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No roosters permitted within city limits.
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Coops must be clean, secure, and predator-proof.
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Setbacks: Must be located at least 50 feet from neighboring homes.
Bonus: Austin offers rebates for chicken coop purchases through its sustainability program. It’s a top city in Texas for urban homesteading.
Bexar County (San Antonio)
Are chickens allowed in San Antonio?
Yes—with some distance rules.
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Chickens and roosters are allowed.
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Coops must be at least 20 feet from neighbors’ homes.
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No specific flock limit, but nuisance laws apply.
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Permits aren’t required, but violations can lead to fines or removal.
Roosters are legal in San Antonio, but keep noise complaints in mind. The city’s animal ordinance treats chickens like pets, so as long as you keep things clean and quiet, you’re usually fine.
Tarrant County (Fort Worth)
Can you keep chickens in Fort Worth?
Yes, and the rules are fairly straightforward.
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Up to 12 hens allowed on residential lots.
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Roosters are banned in most zones.
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Coops must be 25 feet away from nearby homes.
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Chickens must be contained and not free-roaming.
Tarrant County’s unincorporated areas generally allow more birds and roosters, especially if the land is zoned agricultural.
Collin County (Plano, McKinney)
Chickens in suburban Collin County?
Yes—but city rules apply.
Plano:
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Allows chickens with no more than 4 hens
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No roosters allowed
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Must have proper fencing and sanitation
McKinney:
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Allows chickens in residential zones
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Flock size is based on lot size
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Coop placement must follow zoning rules
Rural parts of Collin County are more flexible, especially for hobby farms and larger properties.
Denton County (Denton, Lewisville, Frisco)
Backyard chickens in Denton County?
Yes, but each city sets its own rules.
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Denton: Allows up to 8 hens; no roosters; coops must be behind the home.
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Frisco: 6-hen limit, must apply for a chicken permit; no roosters.
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Lewisville: Up to 4 hens allowed; no roosters.
If you’re in an HOA-governed neighborhood, be aware—HOA rules can ban chickens entirely, even if the city allows them.
Williamson County (Round Rock, Georgetown)
Is chicken keeping legal in Round Rock and Georgetown?
Yes—with limits.
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Round Rock: Up to 6 hens allowed; no roosters; coops must be kept clean and secure.
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Georgetown: Chickens are allowed in residential zones; limit varies by lot size.
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Unincorporated Williamson County allows chickens freely in most rural areas.
Always check with the city’s animal control or zoning office before building a coop.
Montgomery County (The Woodlands, Conroe)
Can you have chickens in The Woodlands?
Only in some areas.
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The Woodlands is a master-planned community with strict HOA rules. Many sections prohibit livestock or poultry.
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Conroe allows chickens, but no roosters, and coops must be setback from homes and property lines.
In the rest of Montgomery County, rural and agricultural zoning usually supports full-scale poultry keeping.
Lubbock County (Lubbock)
Chickens in Lubbock?
Yes—with relaxed rules.
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Lubbock allows up to 8 hens
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Roosters are not allowed
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Must keep coops clean and secure
The city encourages backyard poultry for sustainability, making it one of the more chicken-friendly cities in West Texas.
Common Chicken Laws in Texas Counties
Here’s a handy breakdown of common rules across Texas:
| County/City | Chickens Allowed | Roosters | Permit Required | Flock Limit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Houston | Yes | Allowed (noise laws apply) | No | Based on setback |
| Dallas | Yes | No | No | 5 |
| Austin | Yes | No | No | 10 |
| San Antonio | Yes | Yes | No | No set limit |
| Fort Worth | Yes | No | No | 12 |
| Plano | Yes | No | No | 4 |
| Frisco | Yes | No | Yes | 6 |
Don’t Forget Coop Space Requirements
Even if your county allows chickens, your coop needs to follow local building and sanitation codes. Most ordinances require:
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3 to 4 square feet per chicken inside the coop
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8 to 10 square feet per chicken in the run
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Setbacks from property lines and structures
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Secure enclosures to prevent predators
Not sure how big your coop should be? Use this handy tool to calculate how much coop space your chicken needs—it takes the guesswork out of planning your setup and keeps you within the law.
You can also visit the chicken coop calculator to explore options for expanding your flock or redesigning your current coop.
How to Stay Legal and Keep Your Chickens Safe
To make sure your flock is protected and your neighbors are happy:
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Double-check your zoning: Residential vs. agricultural zoning makes a huge difference.
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Avoid roosters unless you live in a rural/ag-exempt area.
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Build a clean, well-ventilated coop that meets space and sanitation guidelines.
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Keep feed secured to avoid pests and predators.
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Talk to your neighbors—courtesy goes a long way in avoiding complaints.
Conclusion: Know the Rules Before You Raise Your Flock
Texas is a great state for backyard chickens—but only if you follow the local rules. From Houston’s strict setbacks to Austin’s 10-chicken max, each county brings its own twist to urban poultry keeping.
Before you order chicks or hammer in that first nail, take a few minutes to review your city and county ordinances. And when you’re ready to build, don’t forget to find out exactly how much coop space your flock needs.
Raise your chickens legally, responsibly, and confidently—because a happy flock starts with smart planning.