Bryan, TX Animal Ordinances: Chickens & Livestock (2026)
Key Facts
- Minimum land per animal
- 6,000 sq ft
- Structure setback
- 100 ft from other homes
- Tethering
- Prohibited
- Swine
- Banned except mini-pigs
- Governing section
- Sec. 10-133
Summary
Bryan confines livestock to properly zoned land, requires 6,000 square feet per animal, and bans staking or tethering.
It is a violation to maintain livestock on properties other than those zoned for such use. It is an affirmative defense if the maintenance of livestock is a legal non-conforming use.
(b) The owner of livestock, or the owner of real property on which livestock is being kept, may not allow the livestock to be a nuisance, or be the source of a nuisance, by virtue of (1) odor, excessive noise, or attraction of pests, which would disturb a person of normal sensibilities; or (2) otherwise create a health hazard.
(c) Livestock may not be maintained on property belonging to another person without that person's permission.
(d) It is a violation to tether or stake out livestock. It is an affirmative defense to this section if the tether is otherwise in compliance with this chapter, and if the animal has unrestricted access to at least 6,000 square feet of ground. Livestock may not be maintained on property with less than 6,000 square feet of ground per animal, excluding structures not used for housing or feeding the animal.
(e) The structure or enclosure in which livestock is kept, fed, or cared for may not be less than 100 feet from any structure used for human occupancy, except for structures belonging to the owner of the livestock.
(f) It shall be unlawful for any person to keep, harbor, or maintain swine within the City. It is an affirmative defense to this section that the swine are wild and not
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 31).
Full Breakdown
Under Sec. 10-133, keeping livestock on property not zoned for it is a violation unless it's a legal nonconforming use. Owners need at least 6,000 square feet of unrestricted ground per animal, and any barn, pen, or feeding structure must sit at least 100 feet from any home other than the owner's own house. Tethering or staking livestock out is prohibited outright. Swine are banned citywide except licensed, neutered mini-pigs (max two per lot, in AO or residential zoning). Violations that create a nuisance or breach these rules let the animal control authority seize and impound the animals, with a ten-business-day redemption window before sale or disposal.
Violations & Fines
Zoning, setback, tether, or density violations are citable; a nuisance conviction lets the city seize and impound the livestock, sell at public auction after a 10-day notice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep a cow or horse on my Bryan property?
Can I tie my livestock to a stake in the yard?
Are pet pigs allowed in Bryan?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Bryan
How Bryan compares: Best Cities for Backyard Chickens·Texas rules heatmap·Compare Bryan to another location·View the Texas animal ordinances overview
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