Fort Worth, despite its Cowtown heritage, restricts livestock on urban lots. Horses, cattle, goats, and swine require agricultural zoning or minimum acreage; chickens and bees are allowed with limits.
Chapter 6 of the Fort Worth City Code and the zoning ordinance control livestock keeping. Cattle and horses generally require agricultural or large-lot zoning, typically at least one acre per animal, with setbacks of 100 feet from any residence other than the owner's. Goats and sheep face similar acreage rules. Swine are prohibited in residential zones as potbellied pigs may be allowed as pets with limits. Backyard chickens (hens) are allowed in single-family residential zones up to a specified count with roosters prohibited and coops set back from neighboring homes, typically 50 feet. Beekeeping is allowed under Texas Agriculture Code Chapter 131 and city rules requiring setbacks from lot lines and water sources. The Stockyards National Historic District retains legacy zoning that permits cattle handling for heritage events. Complaints flow through Animal Care and Control at 311.
Illegal livestock keeping draws fines up to $500 per animal per day plus abatement orders requiring relocation. Repeated or health-related violations can escalate to criminal nuisance citations. Bee violations under Chapter 131 also carry state-level consequences.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Fort Worth, TX
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Fort Worth, TX
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Fort Worth, TX
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Fort Worth, TX
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Fort Worth, TX
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Fort Worth, TX
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Tarrant County.
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