Houston, TX Animal Ordinances: Chickens & Livestock (2026)
Key Facts
- Fowl Limit
- 30 per lot
- Roosters
- Prohibited
- Setback
- 100 ft from neighbors
- Permit
- Not required
- Code Section
- Ch. 6, Art. II (Sec. 6-31 to 6-39)
Summary
Houston allows up to 30 domestic fowl per lot with no roosters and a 100-foot setback from neighboring buildings under Chapter 6. No permit is required. Texas HB 1750 prevents cities from banning chickens, but HOA deed restrictions still apply.
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exotic livestock, domestic fowl, and exotic fowl.(2) "Commission" means the Texas Animal Health Commission.(3) Repealed by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 604, Sec. 5.(4) "Exotic livestock" means grass-eating or plant-eating, single-hooved or cloven-hooved mammals that are not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.
Full Breakdown
Chapter 6, Article II (Sections 6-31 through 6-39) permits up to 30 domestic fowl on residential properties, making Houston more permissive than most Texas cities. Roosters are prohibited due to noise and cockfighting concerns. Enclosures must be at least 100 feet from any occupied building not belonging to the owner, including neighboring houses, churches, schools, and hospitals. Enclosures must be clean, well-maintained, and provide at least 2 square feet of space per chicken. No special permit is required. HB 1750 (the Right to Farm law) prevents Texas cities from banning chickens, but does not override private deed restrictions or HOA covenants. Harris County is a closed range county, meaning all livestock must be fenced and contained.
Violations & Fines
Nuisance violations: $200 to $500 fine. Livestock at large: impoundment and fees. Deed restriction violations: civil enforcement through Houston Legal Department.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many chickens can I have in Houston?
Can my HOA ban chickens?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Houston
How Houston compares: Best Cities for Backyard Chickens·Texas rules heatmap·Compare Houston 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 If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.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 Harris County handle chickens & livestock.