Haltom City, TX Animal Ordinances: Chickens & Livestock (2026)
Key Facts
- Hens
- Allowed, typical limit 4 to 6
- Roosters
- Typically prohibited in residential
- Coop Setback
- 25 to 50 feet from neighbors
- State Law
- TX HB 1750 protects backyard flocks
- Livestock
- Agricultural zoning only
Summary
Haltom City allows backyard hens under Chapter 14 with coop setbacks; roosters are restricted in residential zones. TX HB 1750 protects backyard flocks. Livestock is restricted to ag 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exotic livestock, domestic fowl, and exotic fowl.(2) "Commission" means the Texas Animal Health Commission.(3) Repealed by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 604, Sec. 5.(4) "Exotic livestock" means grass-eating or plant-eating, single-hooved or cloven-hooved mammals that are not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 specifi
Full Breakdown
Under the Haltom City Code of Ordinances Chapter 14, keeping hens on a residential lot is generally allowed with limits on flock size (commonly 4 to 6 hens for standard residential lots), setback requirements for coops (typically 25 to 50 feet from any neighboring dwelling), and sanitation standards. Roosters are typically prohibited in residential zones due to crowing noise, or allowed only on larger agriculturally zoned lots. TX HB 1750 (2023) classifies backyard chicken-keeping as an agricultural operation and requires a city to prove an imminent health danger to impose stricter bans or restrictions. Goats, sheep, pigs, horses, and cattle are typically prohibited in standard residential zones (SF-1, SF-2) and are limited to agricultural zoning which is rare inside Haltom City limits. Haltom City Animal Services enforces the ordinance and can be reached through Police non-emergency. Residents should confirm current limits with the Planning division at (817) 222-7700 before establishing a flock.
Violations & Fines
Class C misdemeanor; fine up to 500 dollars per day. Chronic sanitation or setback violations can require removal of the animals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I have backyard chickens in Haltom City?
Can I keep a rooster in Haltom City?
Can I keep goats or pigs in Haltom City?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Haltom City
How Haltom City compares: Best Cities for Backyard Chickens·Texas rules heatmap·Compare Haltom City to another location·View the Texas animal ordinances overview
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