Rowlett, TX Animal Ordinances: Chickens & Livestock (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- § 6-101, Rowlett Animal Code
- Minimum lot size
- 1 acre for large livestock
- Setback from neighbors
- 150 feet unless lot ≥2 acres
- Density limit
- 2 large animals per acre
Summary
Rowlett bars keeping horses, cattle, goats, and other large livestock on residential lots under one acre, and requires 150 feet of separation from a neighbor's living quarters on qualifying lots.
It shall be unlawful for any person to keep large livestock in an area zoned residential on any lot having an area less than one acre. For the first acre, a minimum of one-third of that acre shall be set aside for exclusive use by the large livestock and no more than two large livestock may be kept in that area. For any additional livestock animals, an additional acre is required per two livestock animals. For the purposes of this section, two large livestock may include any combination of horses, cows, mules, sheep, goats or donkeys per acre.(c)Large livestock must not be located closer than 150 feet distance from any person's living quarters, other than their own, unless located on a lot of at least two acres.(d)The provisions of subsection (c) of this section shall not apply to livestock kept on property adjacent to any newly constructed development, provided that the owner can substantiate to the animal services manager that livestock was maintained on the property prior to construction of the new development and so long as the livestock are continuously maintained after construction. (Ord. No. 027-23, § 1, 9-5-2023)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 29).
Full Breakdown
Rowlett Code of Ordinances § 6-101(b) bars keeping large livestock, horses, mules, donkeys, cattle, goats, and sheep, on a residentially zoned lot under one acre. On a qualifying lot, at least one-third of the first acre must be set aside exclusively for up to two large animals, with an additional acre required per two more animals. Large livestock must also stay at least 150 feet from any neighbor's living quarters unless the lot is two acres or larger, per § 6-101(c). Estray livestock must be reported to the Dallas or Rockwall County sheriff.
Violations & Fines
Keeping large livestock on an undersized lot or too close to a neighbor's home is a citable offense; strays must be reported to the county sheriff and may be impounded.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep a horse on a half-acre lot in Rowlett?
Does the one-acre rule apply where livestock predates a new subdivision next door?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Rowlett
How Rowlett compares: Best Cities for Backyard Chickens·Texas rules heatmap·Compare Rowlett to another location·View the Texas animal ordinances overview
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