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Brownsville, TX Animal Ordinances: Chickens & Livestock (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified July 2026

Key Facts

Coop setback from neighbor home
50 feet
Hen limit
None in the code
Roosters
Allowed; nuisance rules apply
Livestock space
20,000 sq ft per animal
Livestock setback
150 feet

Summary

Brownsville sets no limit on the number of hens and bans no roosters. The controlling rule is distance: a pen holding chickens, ducks, turkeys, geese, peafowl, pigeons, rabbits, or guinea pigs must sit 50 feet from a neighbor's home.

It shall be unlawful for any person to keep, possess or maintain within the city any rabbit, guinea pig, pigeon, chicken, turkey, goose, duck, peafowl, or any other fowl in any pen, enclosure, or other structure within 50 feet of any residence or building used for human habitation, other than that of the keeper or owner of such animal

Source: Brownsville Code of Ordinances & Unified Development CodeView official code

Full Breakdown

Section 10-1063(b) measures the 50 feet in a straight line from the nearest point of the pen to the nearest point of any residence other than the keeper's, and to any church, school, hospital, convalescent home, or nursing home. Larger stock, horses, mules, cattle, sheep, goats, needs 20,000 square feet for the first animal and 20,000 more for each additional animal, plus 150 feet of separation from homes and the same institutions. Section 10-1062 declares any animal producing noxious odors or disturbing noises a nuisance, which is the route neighbors take against a crowing rooster. Loose livestock violates § 10-1065.

Violations & Fines

Animal control officers and police issue citations under § 10-1002. Health and sanitation offenses reach $2,000 per offense under § 1-13, and each day is a separate offense.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many chickens can I keep in Brownsville?
The code sets no numeric cap. The binding constraint is the 50-foot setback in § 10-1063(b) between the pen and any neighboring dwelling, plus the nuisance rule in § 10-1062.
Are roosters banned in Brownsville?
No. Chapter 10 contains no rooster prohibition. A rooster whose crowing annoys persons of ordinary sensibilities nearby is a prohibited nuisance under § 10-1062 and draws a citation.
Can I keep a goat or a horse on my lot?
Only on a large lot. Each animal needs 20,000 square feet, and the animal must stay 150 feet from any home, church, school, hospital, or nursing home.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Brownsville

Dog Leash LawsLight RestrictionsWildlife FeedingFew RestrictionsBreed RestrictionsFew RestrictionsBeekeepingFew RestrictionsExotic PetsLight RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Leaf Blower RulesFew RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor SoundSome RestrictionsFire Regulations: Wildfire ZonesFew RestrictionsLandscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage TreesSome RestrictionsLandscaping Rules: Weed OrdinancesSome RestrictionsLandscaping Rules: Rainwater HarvestingFew Restrictions

All Brownsville rules

How Brownsville compares: Best Cities for Backyard Chickens·Texas rules heatmap·Compare Brownsville to another location·View the Texas animal ordinances overview

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