Bellaire Code Chapter 6 (Animals and Fowl) heavily restricts the keeping of livestock and poultry in residential areas. The city's zoning as a densely developed residential enclave within Houston means chickens, roosters, goats, and other livestock are generally prohibited on standard residential lots.
Under Chapter 6, Bellaire regulates the keeping of animals and fowl within city limits. The city's residential character and small lot sizes (typically 7,000–9,000 sq ft) make livestock keeping impractical and subject to nuisance complaints. Roosters are particularly restricted due to noise. While some Houston-area municipalities have loosened backyard chicken rules, Bellaire maintains stricter controls consistent with its emphasis on residential neighborhood quality. Any animals kept must not create noise, odor, or sanitation nuisances that affect neighbors. Manure management and containment are additional concerns in the city's dense residential environment. Contact Code Enforcement at (713) 662-8222 for specific animal keeping questions.
Keeping prohibited animals results in code enforcement notices and fines up to $500 per offense. The city may order removal of animals. Repeat violations carry escalating penalties. Animal nuisances may also be addressed through general nuisance provisions.
Bellaire, TX
Bellaire enforces detailed quiet hours under its noise ordinance adopted in 2023. Quiet hours run Sunday through Thursday from 9:00 PM to 7:00 AM (11:00 PM t...
Bellaire, TX
Bellaire prohibits all construction activity during quiet hours regardless of noise level. Construction is permitted only during non-quiet hours: 7:00 AM to ...
Bellaire, TX
Bellaire's noise ordinance prohibits all lawn care activities, including leaf blower use, during quiet hours regardless of noise level. During non-quiet hour...
Bellaire, TX
Bellaire Code Chapter 6 (Animals and Fowl) prohibits keeping dogs that create excessive noise disturbing neighbors. Barking dog complaints are handled by Bel...
Bellaire, TX
Bellaire's noise ordinance sets specific decibel limits for amplified music: 60 dB maximum in residential zones during quiet hours and 75 dB during non-quiet...
Bellaire, TX
Bellaire regulates street parking through Chapter 30 (Traffic and Vehicles) with restrictions on specific streets, time limits, and no-parking zones. The cit...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Harris County.
See how other cities in Harris County handle chickens & livestock.
See how Bellaire's chickens & livestock rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.