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Missouri City, TX Animal Ordinances: Chickens & Livestock (2026)

Light Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Roosters
Not permitted residentially
Code Section
Chapter 10, Article I
Enforcement
Animal Services, Code Compliance
Setbacks
Required from neighbors

Summary

Missouri City prohibits keeping fowl and livestock within most areas of the city, with limited exceptions for agriculturally zoned tracts that meet defined acreage and setback requirements under Chapter 10.

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. ... (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.

Source: Municode LibraryView official code

Full Breakdown

Under Chapter 10 of the Code of Ordinances, Missouri City restricts keeping livestock and fowl within city limits. Roosters and commercial poultry are not permitted in residential neighborhoods. Hens and small numbers of livestock may only be kept on properties meeting acreage thresholds and minimum setback distances from neighboring dwellings, schools, and public buildings. Owners must keep enclosures clean, control odor, and prevent animals from running at large. Code Enforcement and Animal Services investigate complaints and may abate violations.

Violations & Fines

Class C misdemeanor citation, daily fines, abatement orders, and required removal of prohibited animals from the property.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I keep backyard chickens in Missouri City?
Most residential lots cannot keep chickens. Hens may be allowed only on larger agriculturally zoned tracts that satisfy setback and sanitation rules. Contact Animal Services before acquiring birds.
Are roosters allowed?
Roosters are not allowed in residential areas of Missouri City because of noise nuisance concerns. Keeping a rooster typically results in a code enforcement citation.
What about goats, pigs, or cattle?
Livestock such as goats, swine, horses, or cattle generally cannot be kept on standard residential lots and require qualifying acreage with proper enclosures and setbacks.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Missouri City

Parking Rules: Street Parking LimitsLight RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Quiet HoursLight RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Construction HoursLight RestrictionsDog Leash LawsLight RestrictionsPet LimitsSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor SoundLight RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Barking DogsLight RestrictionsParking Rules: Abandoned VehiclesLight Restrictions

All Missouri City rules

How Missouri City compares: Best Cities for Backyard Chickens·Texas rules heatmap·Compare Missouri City to another location·View the Texas animal ordinances overview

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