Longview, TX Animal Ordinances: Chickens & Livestock (2026)
Key Facts
- Poultry setback
- 100 feet from adjoining property
- Livestock setback
- 500 feet from adjoining lots
- Enclosure required
- Roofed, walled, weatherproof
- Livestock time limit
- 10 days without approval
Summary
Longview lets residents keep chickens and other poultry, but the enclosure must sit at least 100 feet from any neighboring property.
It shall be the duty of any person owning or having within their management or control, any chickens, turkeys, geese or other poultry, to keep same in an enclosure upon their own premises at all times... No chickens, turkeys, geese or other poultry shall be kept in any enclosure within the city, any part of which enclosure is within 100 feet of any adjoining property within the city other than the building or dwelling occupied by the owner of the animals.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: June 2026: This code is current through Ordinances 4635 passed 06.25.26).
Full Breakdown
City code allows chickens, turkeys, geese, and other poultry as long as they're kept in a secure enclosure with a roof, walls, and a solid bottom for weather protection. That enclosure can't sit within 100 feet of any adjoining property other than the owner's own home. Larger livestock (horses, cattle, swine, goats, sheep) face a stricter 500-foot buffer from neighboring lots, businesses, or buildings used for sleeping or serving food, and can't be kept past 10 days without animal control sign-off. Both rules fall under Chapter 13's animal control provisions, enforced by Longview Animal Control.
Violations & Fines
Violating the setback is a Class C misdemeanor citation under Chapter 13's general penalty provision, enforced by animal control officers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep chickens in my Longview backyard?
Is there a rooster-specific ban in Longview?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Longview
How Longview compares: Best Cities for Backyard Chickens·Texas rules heatmap·Compare Longview to another location·View the Texas animal ordinances overview
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