San Marcos, TX Animal Ordinances: Chickens & Livestock (2026)
Key Facts
- Setback from dwellings
- 100 feet minimum
- Setback from food establishments
- 500 feet minimum
- Hens allowed
- Up to 8, no roosters
- Max fine
- $500 per violation
Summary
San Marcos bars keeping livestock in city limits unless pens sit at least 100 feet from neighboring homes, 500 feet from food establishments, and comply with zoning: hens get a narrower 30-foot rule.
No person shall engage in keeping livestock within the corporate limits of the city, except in conformance with and only to the extent so permitted by the zoning ordinances of the city; and unless: (1) The pens, stalls, or other facilities for keeping the livestock or fowl, excepting hens, other than fenced open pastures that are at least one acre, are located so that the livestock or fowl cannot come within 100 feet of any existing dwelling or business building owned, used, or maintained by any person other than the keeper.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 41).
Full Breakdown
City Code § 6.074 prohibits keeping livestock, horses, cattle, sheep, goats, llamas and pigs, anywhere in San Marcos unless the location also conforms to the zoning ordinance. Pens and stalls (other than fenced pastures of at least one acre) must stay 100 feet from any neighboring dwelling or business and 500 feet from any food-service or food-processing establishment; fenced pastures must keep livestock 25 feet off a residential property line. Up to eight hens (no roosters) are allowed in residential areas if the coop sits at least 30 feet from neighboring homes and hens stay in the owner's yard. A single livestock animal is permitted for a student's bona fide 4-H or FFA project.
Violations & Fines
Violating the livestock-keeping rules is a Code offense punishable, upon conviction, by a fine of up to $500 under the city's general penalty provision, Sec. 1.015(b).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep chickens in San Marcos?
How close can I keep horses or cattle to a neighbor's house?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Marcos
How San Marcos compares: Best Cities for Backyard Chickens·Texas rules heatmap·Compare San Marcos to another location·View the Texas animal ordinances overview
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