Livestock prohibited on residential lots under Ch. 18 Animals and zoning ordinance. Only agricultural-zoned properties may keep farm animals. Backyard chickens generally not permitted.
Little Elm Code of Ordinances Chapter 18 and the zoning ordinance restrict the keeping of livestock within the town limits. Residential zoning districts do not permit horses, cattle, goats, sheep, swine, or poultry. Properties zoned for agricultural use or located in agricultural exemption areas may keep livestock consistent with applicable setbacks, lot size requirements, and nuisance standards. Little Elm has experienced rapid suburban growth and many formerly agricultural properties have been rezoned residential. Texas Agriculture Code Chapter 251 (Right to Farm) protects established agricultural operations from nuisance claims but does not override municipal zoning within city limits. The Denton County livestock estray program handles loose livestock on county roads. Miniature goats, pot-bellied pigs, and backyard chickens are increasingly popular in suburban Texas, but Little Elm has not adopted a specific urban agriculture or backyard poultry ordinance as some Texas cities have.
Keeping livestock in a prohibited zone: Class C misdemeanor, fine up to $500 per day. Animals may be impounded. Each day of violation is a separate offense. Repeat offenders subject to escalating fines up to $2,000.
See how other cities in Denton County handle livestock.
See how Little Elm's livestock rules stack up against other locations.
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