La Porte, TX Animal Ordinances: Chickens & Livestock (2026)
Key Facts
- Residential Zones
- Livestock generally prohibited
- Agricultural Zones
- Permitted with lot size requirements
- Confinement
- Livestock must be fully contained
- At Large
- Subject to impoundment
- Code Enforcement
- (281) 471-5020
Summary
La Porte restricts keeping of livestock including horses, cattle, goats, sheep, and pigs to properties zoned for agricultural use or meeting minimum lot size requirements. Standard residential lots do not permit livestock under the zoning ordinance.
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
The City of La Porte restricts the keeping of livestock animals on residential properties through its zoning ordinance. Livestock, defined as horses, cattle, goats, sheep, pigs, donkeys, and other large farm animals, may only be kept on properties zoned for agricultural use or properties meeting minimum lot size thresholds established in the zoning code. Standard residential zoning districts (R-1, R-2) generally do not permit livestock. Properties in rural residential or agricultural zones may keep livestock with specific requirements including minimum acreage per animal, setbacks from neighboring residences, manure management plans, and fencing to prevent animals from roaming.
Stables, barns, and animal shelters must meet building code requirements and maintain setbacks from property lines. All livestock must be confined within the property and may not roam on public streets or neighboring properties. Animals at large may be impounded. Texas state law governs livestock on public roadways under the Texas Agriculture Code. Contact Code Enforcement at (281) 471-5020 for zoning questions about livestock keeping.
Violations & Fines
Keeping livestock in prohibited zoning districts results in notice to remove the animals. Failure to comply leads to fines up to $2,000 per violation per day. Animals at large on public roads may be impounded, and the owner is liable for all damages caused.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep horses on my property in La Porte?
Can I keep goats in my backyard in La Porte?
What happens if livestock escapes onto the road in La Porte?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in La Porte
How La Porte compares: Best Cities for Backyard Chickens·Texas rules heatmap·Compare La Porte to another location·View the Texas animal ordinances overview
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