San Antonio, TX Animal Ordinances: Chickens & Livestock (2026)
Key Facts
- Domestic fowl
- 8 max, only 1 rooster
- Coop and run
- 24 sq ft or 6/bird
- Livestock
- 2 head, permit each
- Livestock pen
- 100 ft from neighbors
- Enforcement
- Animal Care Services, Sec. 5-107
Summary
San Antonio lets a home keep up to eight domestic fowl with only one rooster, no permit required, plus two head of livestock. Fowl need a coop and run of at least 24 square feet.
A maximum number of eight (8) domestic fowl is allowed at a residence of which only one (1) may be a rooster.... All domestic fowl must be kept in a coop and run that is at least twenty-four (24) square feet in size, or has at least six (6) square feet of space per fowl, whichever is larger.... The total number of livestock allowed at a residence is two (2) animals from the following classes of livestock: Equines; bovines; sheep; goats; and llamas.... All livestock must be enclosed in a pen the nearest point being at least one hundred (100) feet from any dwelling or business building owned or occupied by any person other than the owner.
Full Breakdown
Section 5-107 caps each residence at eight domestic fowl, only one of which may be a rooster, kept in a coop and run of at least 24 square feet or 6 square feet per bird, whichever is larger. Up to eight birds may roam an enclosed yard between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. Livestock is limited to two animals from equines, bovines, sheep, goats, and llamas, penned at least 100 feet from any neighbor's dwelling, and every livestock animal needs a permit. Exceeding eight fowl triggers an excess-animal permit and a 50-, 75-, or 100-foot coop setback by flock size. Animal Care Services enforces; violations are prosecuted under section 5-21.
Violations & Fines
Keeping more than eight fowl, more than one rooster, or any livestock without permits is an animal nuisance and misdemeanor; excess fowl require a permit and larger coop setbacks enforced by Animal Care Services.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep chickens in San Antonio without a permit?
Are roosters allowed in San Antonio?
How much livestock can I keep at home?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Antonio
How San Antonio compares: Best Cities for Backyard Chickens·Texas rules heatmap·Compare San Antonio to another location·View the Texas animal ordinances overview
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