Bellaire, TX Animal Ordinances: Chickens & Livestock (2026)
Key Facts
- Goats
- Prohibited
- Horses
- Prohibited
- Miniature Breeds
- Also prohibited
- Code Enforcement
- (713) 662-8222
Summary
Bellaire prohibits keeping livestock on residential property. Goats, sheep, horses, cattle, pigs, and other farm animals are not permitted in any residential zoning district regardless of lot size. This reflects the city's character as a densely developed urban residential community.
Sec. 142.001. DEFINITIONS. In this chapter:(1) "Estray" means stray livestock, stray exotic livestock, stray bison, or stray exotic fowl.(2) "Perilous condition" means a circumstance or condition in which capture and impoundment of an estray presents an immediate threat to law enforcement personnel or to the health of the estray.(3) "Person" does not include the government or a governmental agency or subdivision.(4) "Exotic livestock" means grass-eating or plant-eating, single-hooved or cloven-hooved mammals that are not indigenous to this state and are known as ungulates
Full Breakdown
The City of Bellaire's zoning ordinance prohibits the keeping of livestock and farm animals on residential property. This includes goats, sheep, horses, cattle, pigs, donkeys, mules, and similar animals. The prohibition applies to all residential zoning districts and all lot sizes within the city. Bellaire is a 3.6-square-mile incorporated city entirely surrounded by Houston, characterized by dense single-family residential development with typical lot sizes that are incompatible with livestock operations. Unlike unincorporated Harris County or the City of Houston where some livestock may be permitted on larger lots, Bellaire maintains strict residential-only animal standards. Miniature livestock breeds such as miniature goats, miniature horses, and miniature pigs are also prohibited as they fall under the livestock classification. No special use permit or variance process exists to allow livestock in residential areas. The prohibition is enforced by Code Enforcement upon complaint. Contact Code Enforcement at (713) 662-8222.
Violations & Fines
Keeping livestock results in immediate code enforcement action. Animals must be removed within the compliance deadline. Fines up to $2,000 per violation per day apply for noncompliance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep goats in Bellaire?
Are miniature horses allowed in Bellaire?
Houston allows some livestock: why doesn't Bellaire?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Bellaire
How Bellaire compares: Best Cities for Backyard Chickens·Texas rules heatmap·Compare Bellaire to another location·View the Texas animal ordinances overview
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How other cities in Harris County handle chickens & livestock.