Denton, TX Animal Ordinances: Chickens & Livestock (2026)
Key Facts
- Residential Zones
- Livestock prohibited (RS, RD, MF)
- Agricultural Zones
- Permitted with adequate lot size
- Chickens
- 8 hens allowed (Section 6-26)
- Roosters
- 150-ft setback from residences
- Code
- DDC Table 5.2-A / Ch. 6
Summary
Denton prohibits livestock including cattle, horses, goats, and sheep in residential zones unless the lot meets minimum acreage for agricultural zoning. Denton Development Code Table 5.2-A governs permitted uses by zoning district. Up to 8 hens allowed per residential parcel under Section 6-26, but roosters are restricted.
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, including animals from the swine, horse, tapir, rhinoceros, elephant, deer, and antelope families but not including a mammal defined by Section 63.001, Parks and Wi
Full Breakdown
2-A controls where livestock may be kept based on zoning district. Large livestock including cattle, horses, mules, donkeys, goats, and sheep are prohibited in standard residential zoning districts (RS, RD, MF). Agricultural zoning (RD-5, Rural Residential, or properties with agricultural exemption) may permit livestock with adequate lot size, typically 1 acre or more per large animal. Miniature livestock such as miniature goats or miniature horses may be subject to the same restrictions as full-size livestock. Denton Section 6-26 allows up to 8 hens per residential parcel with coops setback at least 50 feet from any residence, business, school, hospital, or nursing home.
Roosters are prohibited within 150 feet of those locations. All livestock must be contained and not permitted to run at large per Section 6-8. Livestock running at large on public roads is an estray matter handled by Denton County. Denton is surrounded by active ranching operations in unincorporated Denton County where livestock restrictions are minimal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep goats on my residential lot in Denton?
How many chickens can I keep in Denton?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Denton
How Denton compares: Best Cities for Backyard Chickens·Texas rules heatmap·Compare Denton to another location·View the Texas animal ordinances overview
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Chickens & Livestock in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Denton County handle chickens & livestock.