Chickens & Livestock: Dallas vs Fort Worth
How do chickens & livestock rules compare between Dallas, TX and Fort Worth, TX?
Dallas and Fort Worth have similar restriction levels.
Dallas, TX
Dallas County
Dallas allows chickens on residential property. Flocks of 5 or more require a $25 annual registration. Roosters are prohibited within city limits with limited exceptions. Enclosures must be at least 20 feet from adjacent property lines.
View full Dallas 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 | Dallas | Fort Worth |
|---|---|---|
| Registration | $25/year for 5+ birds | - |
| Roosters | Prohibited with limited exceptions | - |
| Setback | 20 feet from property line | - |
| Code Section | Chapter 7, §7-7.3 | 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.
Dallas FAQ
Can I have chickens in Dallas?
Yes. Flocks of 5 or more require a $25 annual registration. Enclosures must be 20 feet from property lines.
Are roosters allowed in Dallas?
No. Section 7-7.3 prohibits roosters within city limits, with limited exceptions for agricultural zones, State Fair exhibitions, and institutions.
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.
Compare other topics
See how Dallas and Fort Worth compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool