Grapevine, TX Animal Ordinances: Chickens & Livestock (2026)
Key Facts
- Hens
- Allowed with setbacks
- Roosters
- Generally prohibited
- Coop Setback
- 25 feet from adjacent home
- State Law
- TX HB 1750 treats chickens as ag
- HOA Rules
- Often ban chickens entirely
Summary
Grapevine allows backyard chickens with setback and coop requirements under Chapter 6 of the Code. Roosters are generally prohibited in residential zones. Livestock (cattle, horses, goats) require acreage under agricultural zoning.
Sec. 161.001. DEFINITIONS. (a) In this chapter: (1) "Animal" includes livestock, exotic livestock, domestic fowl, and exotic fowl. (2) "Commission" means the Texas Animal Health Commission. [...] (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. (5) "Exotic fowl" means any avian species that is not indigenous to this state. The term includes ratites. (b) References in Subchapter A, C, D, E, or H of this chapter to "livestock," "domestic animals," "domestic fowl," or other specifically named animals shall be construed to include all or part of the carcasses of those animals.
Full Breakdown
Grapevine's Animal Control provisions in Chapter 6 of the Code of Ordinances permit backyard hen chickens in single-family residential districts subject to setback, coop, and sanitation standards. Coops must typically be at least 25 feet from any adjacent residence, constructed to prevent rodent harborage, and kept clean to prevent nuisance odors. Roosters are generally prohibited in residential zones due to crowing noise complaints. Hen flock sizes are commonly limited to 6 birds on standard lots without special approval. Large livestock including cattle, horses, sheep, and goats require agricultural zoning or an acreage-based use that is rare within Grapevine city limits but more common in transitional agricultural tracts near FM 2499 and the northern edge of the city.
Texas state law HB 1750 (2023) classified backyard chickens as agricultural operations and limited cities' ability to restrict them absent a demonstrated imminent health danger, but does not override setback and nuisance provisions. Violations of the animal provisions are Class C misdemeanors under Chapter 6 with fines up to 500 dollars per day. HOA covenants in many Grapevine neighborhoods prohibit chickens entirely regardless of city rules.
Violations & Fines
Class C misdemeanor under Chapter 6; fine up to 500 dollars per day per violation. HOA covenants may impose additional private penalties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep chickens in my Grapevine backyard?
Can I keep goats or horses?
Does state law protect my chickens?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Grapevine
How Grapevine compares: Best Cities for Backyard Chickens·Texas rules heatmap·Compare Grapevine to another location·View the Texas animal ordinances overview
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