Dallas defines livestock as fowl, horses, cattle, sheep, swine, goats, llamas, emus, ostriches, and other farm animals under Chapter 7. Livestock keeping is restricted to areas where animal production is permitted under Section 51A-4.201. Enclosures must be 20+ feet from property lines.
Dallas Code Chapter 7 defines livestock broadly to include any fowl, horse, mule, burro, ass, cattle, sheep, swine, goat, llama, emu, ostrich, or other common farm animal. Keeping livestock is restricted to premises where animal production is permitted under Dallas Development Code Section 51A-4.201 (Residential Uses). In permitted areas, no pen, corral, fence, or similar enclosure may be closer than 20 feet to an adjacent property line. Enclosures must be maintained to prevent offensive odors and nuisance conditions. Livestock must be restrained and not permitted to roam at large. The number and type of animals permitted varies by zoning district.
Keeping livestock in a prohibited zoning district is a violation. Nuisance conditions from livestock may result in citations. Animals at large may be impounded by Dallas Animal Services.
Dallas, TX
Dallas has no city ordinance regulating residential lawn ornaments, statuary, or religious displays on private property. Property maintenance rules under Dal...
Dallas, TX
Dallas has no city ordinance specifically regulating residential inflatable holiday displays. Inflatables are permitted on private property subject to right-...
Dallas, TX
Dallas has no city ordinance specifying installation dates, removal deadlines, or brightness limits for residential holiday light displays. Amplified outdoor...
Dallas, TX
Built-in outdoor kitchens in Dallas require multiple permits through the Department of Sustainable Development and Construction: a building permit for the st...
Dallas, TX
Dallas has no city ordinance specifically regulating residential backyard smokers, pellet grills, or wood-fired ovens. Operation is governed by general nuisa...
Dallas, TX
Dallas adopts the 2021 International Fire Code under Dallas City Code Ch. 16 (Fire Prevention). IFC § 308.1.4 prohibits open-flame cooking devices and LP-gas...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Dallas County.
See how other cities in Dallas County handle livestock.
See how Dallas's livestock rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.