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

The City of Georgetown permits backyard chickens under its Code of Ordinances, Title 7, Section 7.06.010.B. No person may keep more than eight hens in residential zoning districts of the City. Title 7 defines a 'hen' as a female domestic chicken (it does not include guinea hens). A coop must be located at least 20 feet from the private residence of another, and all hens must be contained within the owner's backyard. The owner must provide written notice to the Chief of Police or designee indicating ownership of hens and the location of the coop at least 20 feet from another person's residence, and all coops must meet any applicable standards or permit requirements in the city's Unified Development Code. Roosters are prohibited. Section 7.06.010.C exempts property zoned Agricultural (AG) or Residential Estate (RE) under the city's Zoning Ordinance, as well as property properly used as veterinary clinics or kennels for the care or boarding of livestock, from the hen and livestock distance limits. Separately, Section 7.04.090.6 treats excessive noise from any animal near another residence as a nuisance, which is one reason roosters are banned. Hens are also subject to the general care and sanitation requirements of Chapter 7.03.