Sugar Land, TX Animal Ordinances: Chickens & Livestock (2026)

City Code Sec. 3-18(a) makes it unlawful to keep fowl on any property in Sugar Land, with a narrow exception for fowl that inhabit public lakes or ponds, or private lakes or ponds that are managed and maintained by an organization, company, or corporation. That exception covers waterfowl on managed water features, not backyard coops, so there is no residential path to keeping chickens, ducks, or other poultry in the city. Sec. 3-18(b) requires the property owner or organization controlling a qualifying lake or pond to care for and maintain the fowl and to remove or control any fowl that become a nuisance to surrounding residents.

For four-legged livestock other than swine, Sec. 3-17(a) sets a density formula: one animal for the first two acres of a single tract, plus two animals per acre for each additional acre beyond two, with a minimum of two acres required to keep even one animal. Sec. 3-17(b) bans keeping swine anywhere within the city regardless of lot size. Any enclosure for livestock must be strong enough to keep the animals confined under Sec. 3-17(c). The animal services manager can waive requirements in both sections for a scientific program, nonprofit organization show, or humane activity under Sec. 3-17(d) and Sec. 3-18(c).