Animal Ordinances in Lewisville, TX: What Residents Actually Need to Know

If you live in Lewisville or are thinking about moving there, animal ordinances are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Lewisville has 7 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of animal ordinances, and some of them might surprise you.

Livestock

Lewisville zoning ordinance prohibits keeping livestock (horses, cattle, goats, sheep, pigs, chickens) on residentially zoned property unless on agricultural tracts meeting minimum acreage. Chapter 6 regulates animal keeping; Chapter 14 (Zoning) sets land use restrictions.

Key details: Zoning Code: Ch. 14 Zoning. Animal Code: Ch. 6 Animals. Residential Zones: Livestock prohibited. Chickens: Not allowed on residential lots. Fine: Up to $500/day.

Keeping livestock in prohibited zones: fine up to $500 per offense. Each day constitutes a separate violation. Animals may be removed by Animal Services.

This is one of the stricter rules in Lewisville's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

Chickens & Livestock

Lewisville prohibits keeping livestock including horses, cattle, goats, sheep, and pigs in residential zoning districts. Chickens (hens only, no roosters) are permitted in some residential zones with restrictions on coop setbacks and flock size. Livestock is only allowed on agriculturally zoned land.

Key details: Livestock: Prohibited in residential zones. Hens: Permitted with restrictions in some zones. Roosters: Prohibited in residential areas. Coop Location: Rear yard with setbacks. Confinement: Must be enclosed, no free-range.

Animal Services notice with compliance period. Livestock in residential zones subject to removal. Fines up to $500 per day. Roosters must be rehomed or removed immediately upon notice.

Compared to other cities, Lewisville takes a harder line on chickens & livestock. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

Beekeeping

Lewisville does not specifically ban beekeeping in residential areas but regulates it under nuisance provisions in Ch. 6 and Ch. 9. Texas Agriculture Code Ch. 131 recognizes beekeeping as an agricultural activity and preempts outright municipal bans on managed colonies.

Key details: State Law: TX Agriculture Code Ch. 131. Preemption: Cities cannot ban managed colonies. Registration: TAIS apiary registration recommended. Nuisance Code: Lewisville Ch. 9.

No specific beekeeping fine schedule. Nuisance violations under Ch. 9: up to $500 per offense. State violations under TX Ag Code Ch. 131 enforced by TAIS with potential colony destruction for diseased hives.

Wildlife Feeding

Lewisville prohibits feeding wildlife in city parks and around Lewisville Lake under nuisance provisions. Feeding deer, coyotes, feral hogs, or waterfowl attracts nuisance wildlife and is discouraged citywide. TX Parks and Wildlife Code Ch. 63 governs wildlife management.

Key details: Park Rules: No feeding waterfowl at parks or lake. Nuisance Code: Ch. 9. State Law: TX P&W Code Ch. 63. Fine: Up to $500.

Nuisance violation under Ch. 9: fine up to $500 per offense. Park rule violations may result in removal from park property.

Dog Leash Laws

Lewisville Code Ch. 6, Art. II requires dogs to be restrained by leash, chain, or other tether when off the owner's premises. Running at large is prohibited citywide. Animal Services enforces with impoundment and escalating fines up to $500 per offense.

Key details: Code: Ch. 6, Art. II. Requirement: Leash required off owner premises. State Rabies Law: TX HSC Ch. 826. Animal Services: (972) 219-3474. Fine: Up to $500 per offense.

Fine up to $500 per offense. Impoundment fees and daily boarding charges apply. Repeated offenses may trigger nuisance animal declaration with mandatory secure containment.

This is one of the stricter rules in Lewisville's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

Breed Restrictions

Lewisville does not enforce breed-specific legislation (BSL). No dog breeds are banned within city limits. The city regulates dogs based on individual behavior through its dangerous dog ordinance, which aligns with TX Health and Safety Code Ch. 822 Subchapter D.

Key details: Breed Bans: None - no breed-specific legislation. Approach: Behavior-based dangerous dog rules. State Law: TX Health and Safety Code Ch. 822. Dangerous Dog Insurance: Minimum $100,000 liability. Private Restrictions: Apartments and HOAs may restrict breeds.

No breed-specific penalties. Dangerous dog violations carry fines up to $500. Failure to restrain a declared dangerous dog is a Class C misdemeanor. Serious attacks may result in criminal charges under TX Health and Safety Code Ch. 822.

The rules around breed restrictions in Lewisville lean permissive, but that does not mean anything goes.

Exotic Pets

Lewisville Code Ch. 6 prohibits keeping dangerous wild animals within city limits. Texas Parks and Wildlife Code Ch. 63 regulates possession of non-game wildlife. Venomous snakes, large cats, bears, primates, and similar species require state permits and are generally banned in city limits.

Key details: Local Code: Ch. 6 Animals. State Wildlife Law: TX P&W Code Ch. 63. Dangerous Wild Animals: TX HSC Ch. 822 Subch. E. Banned Species: Large cats, bears, primates, venomous snakes. Fine: Up to $500/day.

Keeping a prohibited exotic animal: fine up to $500 per day. Dangerous wild animal violations under TX HSC Ch. 822: Class C misdemeanor, fine up to $500. Animal may be confiscated and relocated to an accredited facility.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Lewisville actively enforces its exotic pets requirements.

The Bottom Line

Lewisville is tougher than many cities when it comes to animal ordinances. Out of the 7 rules covered here, 4 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Lewisville, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.

This guide is based on Lewisville's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.