Chickens & Livestock: Arlington vs Fort Worth
How do chickens & livestock rules compare between Arlington, TX and Fort Worth, TX?
Fort Worth has fewer restrictions than Arlington.
Arlington, TX
Tarrant County
Arlington Code of Ordinances Chapter 8 permits backyard chickens (hens only, no roosters) on lots at least 10,000 square feet, with coops set back from property lines. Traditional livestock (cattle, horses, goats, sheep, pigs) is prohibited on lots under 1 acre and requires Agricultural zoning or grandfathered rights.
View full Arlington rules →Fort Worth, TX
Tarrant County
Fort Worth Code Sec. 11A-22 allows fowl on residential property with caps tied to lot size: 12 fowl (max two roosters) on lots up to 1/2 acre, 25 fowl over 1/2 acre but under 1 acre, and 50 fowl on 1+ acre lots. Coops must be at least 50 feet from any neighbor's residence.
View full Fort Worth rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Arlington | Fort Worth |
|---|---|---|
| - | - | |
| Code Section | - | Fort Worth Code Sec. 11A-22 |
| Up to 1/2 acre | - | 12 fowl, max 2 roosters |
| 1/2 to 1 acre | - | 25 fowl |
| 1+ acre | - | 50 fowl, max 2 roosters |
| Coop Setback | - | 50 ft from neighbor structures |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Arlington FAQ
Fort Worth FAQ
Can I keep chickens in Fort Worth?
Yes. Under Sec. 11A-22, lots up to 1/2 acre may keep 12 fowl (including up to 2 roosters), and larger lots may keep more. Coops must be at least 50 feet from any neighbor's habitable structure.
Do I need a permit for backyard chickens?
No city permit is required as long as you stay within the lot-size limits in Sec. 11A-22 and meet the 50-foot setback and daily waste management requirements.
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