North Richland Hills's Animal Ordinances: The Rules That Matter
Every city handles animal ordinances a little differently. In North Richland Hills, Texas, there are 7 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.
Beekeeping
Beekeeping in North Richland Hills is permitted on lots of sufficient size with setbacks from neighbors. Registration with the Texas Apiary Inspection Service is required for five or more colonies.
Key details: Hive setback: 25 ft from property line. Flyway barrier: 6 ft if within 25 ft. State registration: 5+ colonies (TAIS). State law: TX Agriculture Ch. 131. Contact: Animal Services (817) 427-6570.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Wildlife Feeding
North Richland Hills prohibits feeding wildlife such as raccoons, coyotes, and deer where it creates a nuisance. Backyard bird feeders are allowed with rodent-resistant maintenance.
Key details: Prohibited: Feeding raccoons, coyotes, deer. Allowed: Bird/hummingbird feeders. Authority: NRH Code Ch. 14. Max fine: 500 dollars. Contact: Animal Services (817) 427-6570.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Chickens & Livestock
North Richland Hills prohibits livestock and poultry in most residential zones. Fowl and hoofed animals are allowed only on Agricultural (AG) zoned lots of at least one acre with setbacks.
Key details: Residential zones: Chickens prohibited. AG zone minimum: 1 acre. Setback from dwellings: 100 ft. Roosters: Prohibited citywide. Contact: Animal Services (817) 427-6570.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
This is one of the stricter rules in North Richland Hills's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.
Breed Restrictions
North Richland Hills does not ban any dog breed. Texas Health and Safety Code 822 (Lillian's Law) prohibits breed-specific legislation but requires dangerous dog registration statewide.
Key details: Breed bans: None citywide. State preemption: TX H&S 822.047. Dangerous dog insurance: 100,000 dollars. Registry: NRH Animal Services. HOA rules: May restrict breeds.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
If you are coming from a city with tighter rules, you will find North Richland Hills gives residents more flexibility on breed restrictions.
Exotic Pets
North Richland Hills prohibits dangerous wild animals in residential zones. Texas Health and Safety Code 822.101 requires state-registered cages and liability insurance for lions, tigers, and similar species.
Key details: Dangerous wild animals: Prohibited. State law: TX H&S 822.101. Insurance required: 100,000 dollars. Venomous snakes: Prohibited. Ferrets/reptiles: Allowed.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. North Richland Hills actively enforces its exotic pets requirements.
Livestock
Livestock such as horses, cattle, goats, and pigs are prohibited in North Richland Hills residential districts. Agricultural zones of one acre or more may keep limited livestock with setbacks.
Key details: Residential zones: Livestock prohibited. AG zone minimum: 1 acre. Setback: 100 ft from dwellings. State law: TX Agriculture Ch. 161. Planning: (817) 427-6300.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
This is one of the stricter rules in North Richland Hills's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.
Dog Leash Laws
All dogs in North Richland Hills must be on a leash under direct physical control whenever off the owner's property. Off-leash is only allowed in NRH Dog Park at Northfield Park.
Key details: Leash length: Max 8 ft. Off-leash zone: NRH Dog Park at Northfield. First offense: ~200 dollars fine. Authority: NRH Code Ch. 14. Contact: Animal Services (817) 427-6570.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Compared to other cities, North Richland Hills takes a harder line on dog leash laws. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.
The Bottom Line
North Richland Hills 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 North Richland Hills, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.
Keep in mind that North Richland Hills can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.