Fort Worth, TX Animal Ordinances: Chickens & Livestock (2026)
Key Facts
- Code Section
- Fort Worth Code Sec. 11A-22
- Up to 1/2 acre
- 12 fowl, max 2 roosters
- 1/2 to 1 acre
- 25 fowl
- 1+ acre
- 50 fowl, max 2 roosters
- Coop Setback
- 50 ft from neighbor structures
Summary
Fort Worth Code Sec. 11A-22 allows fowl on residential property with caps tied to lot size: 12 fowl (max two roosters) on lots up to 1/2 acre, 25 fowl over 1/2 acre but under 1 acre, and 50 fowl on 1+ acre lots. Coops must be at least 50 feet from any neighbor's residence.
Sec. 161.003. DUTY OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS COURT. (a) The commissioners court of each county shall cooperate with and assist the commission in protecting livestock, domestic animals, and domestic fowl from communicable diseases, regardless of whether a particular disease exists in the county.(b) Each commissioners court may employ a veterinarian at the expense of the county. Any veterinarian employed is subject to approval by the commission.
Full Breakdown
Sec. 11A-22 of the Fort Worth Code regulates the keeping of pigeons and fowl. Fowl is defined as any bird kept for food, sport, or pet, excluding pigeons, emus, ostriches, and rheas. Limits depend on lot size: up to 12 fowl (no more than two roosters) on properties 1/2 acre or smaller; up to 25 fowl on properties larger than 1/2 acre but less than 1 acre; up to 50 fowl with no more than two roosters on properties of 1 acre or more. All fowl must be kept in a coop or pen that is at least 50 feet from any habitable structure on another property. Waste must be collected daily in a rat- and fly-proof container and disposed of weekly. No city permit is required to keep fowl within these limits.
Violations & Fines
Each violation of Sec. 11A-22 is a Class C misdemeanor with fines up to $500 per offense. Continued violations can be abated as a public nuisance and may also trigger high-grass or sanitation citations under Chapter 11A.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep chickens in Fort Worth?
Do I need a permit for backyard chickens?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Fort Worth
How Fort Worth compares: Best Cities for Backyard Chickens·Texas rules heatmap·Compare Fort Worth to another location·View the Texas animal ordinances overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Chickens & Livestock in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Tarrant County handle chickens & livestock.