Irving, TX Animal Ordinances: Chickens & Livestock (2026)
Key Facts
- Residential Zones
- Most prohibit large livestock
- Qualifying Zones
- Larger-lot and agricultural districts
- Containment
- Must stay on owner's property
- Sanitation
- Enclosures must be maintained
- Check Zoning
- Planning Dept. (972) 721-2424
Summary
Irving regulates livestock by zoning district. Most residential districts prohibit large livestock. Properties in qualifying zoning districts must comply with animal density and lot size requirements.
Sec. 142.001. DEFINITIONS. In this chapter:(1) "Estray" means stray livestock, stray exotic livestock, stray bison, or stray exotic fowl.(2) "Perilous condition" means a circumstance or condition in which capture and impoundment of an estray presents an immediate threat to law enforcement personnel or to the health of the estray.(3) "Person" does not include the government or a governmental agency or subdivision.(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 but not including a mammal defined by Section 63.001, Parks and Wi
Full Breakdown
Livestock keeping in Irving is regulated primarily through the Unified Development Code's zoning districts and Chapter 6 (Animal Services). Most standard residential zoning districts (R-6, R-7.5, R-10, etc.) prohibit the keeping of large livestock such as horses, cattle, and goats. Properties in larger-lot residential or agricultural zoning districts may be permitted to keep livestock subject to minimum lot size, animal density, and setback requirements. All livestock must be contained on the owner's property and not allowed to roam at large. Animal shelters and enclosures must be maintained in sanitary condition. The keeping of livestock must not create a nuisance under the animal nuisance provisions of Chapter 6, Article IX.
Violations & Fines
Keeping livestock in prohibited zones is a code violation. Nuisance fines up to $2,000 per day for unsanitary conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep livestock in Irving?
What livestock rules apply if my property qualifies?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Irving
How Irving compares: Best Cities for Backyard Chickens·Texas rules heatmap·Compare Irving to another location·View the Texas animal ordinances overview
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