Rockwall, TX Animal Ordinances: Chickens & Livestock (2026)
Key Facts
- Backyard poultry
- Banned outside ag zoning
- Livestock minimum lot
- 5 acres, or ag/SF-E/SF-1 zoning
- Livestock density cap
- 1 animal per 10,000 sq ft
- Livestock setback
- 100 feet from homes, businesses
- Penalty
- Up to $500 per offense/day
Summary
Rockwall bans keeping chickens, ducks, turkeys, geese, peacocks, or guinea hens anywhere in the city except in agricultural-zoned districts, with no exception for small residential flocks.
It shall be unlawful to own or keep chickens, ducks, turkeys, geese, peacocks, or guinea hens within the corporate limits of the city except in agricultural zoned districts.
(c) Male equines (horses) capable of breeding shall be confined in such a manner that said animal will not be dangerous to human beings, and shall remain on the premises of the owner and shall not endanger the property of any other person.
(d) Male equines capable of breeding may impose an imminent threat to human life and to property. Any breeding of equines shall be under the direct supervision of the owner or handler.
(Ord. No. 05-01, § 1(5-16), 1-3-2005)
Secs. 6-163—6-192. - Reserved.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 25 Update 1).
Full Breakdown
Section 6-162 of the city code makes it unlawful to own or keep chickens, ducks, turkeys, geese, peacocks, or guinea hens anywhere within Rockwall's corporate limits unless the property sits in an agricultural-zoned district. The same article limits other livestock to tracts of five acres or more, or SF-E/SF-1 zoned lots, capping density at one animal per 10,000 square feet and requiring livestock stay at least 100 feet from any residence or business. There is no coop-setback or lot-size carve-out for backyard flocks: poultry is banned outright outside agricultural zoning, full stop.
Violations & Fines
Keeping chickens outside agricultural zoning draws a fine up to $500 per offense under the city's general penalty clause, with each day a separate violation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep backyard chickens in Rockwall?
What about goats, horses, or other livestock?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Rockwall
How Rockwall compares: Best Cities for Backyard Chickens·Texas rules heatmap·Compare Rockwall 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.