Chickens & Livestock: Denton vs Little Elm
How do chickens & livestock rules compare between Denton, TX and Little Elm, TX?
Denton and Little Elm have similar restriction levels.
Denton, TX
Denton County
Denton Ch. 6 allows up to 12 hens on lots of 10,000+ sq ft. Roosters prohibited in residential. Coops must be 50 ft from neighboring dwellings.
View full Denton rules →Little Elm, TX
Denton County
Little Elm Ch. 18 and Ch. 106 Zoning govern chickens and livestock by zoning district. TX HB 1750 (2023) protects backyard poultry. Most newer HOAs prohibit livestock entirely.
View full Little Elm rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Denton | Little Elm |
|---|---|---|
| Hens Allowed | Up to 12 on lots 10,000+ sq ft | - |
| Roosters | Prohibited in residential | Commonly restricted in residential |
| Coop Setback | 50 ft from neighboring dwelling | - |
| Livestock | Ag zoning or 1+ acre lot | - |
| Complaints | Animal Services (940) 349-7594 | - |
| Code | - | Ch. 18 Animals / Ch. 106 Zoning |
| Chickens | - | Permitted in some zoning districts |
| State Law | - | TX HB 1750 (2023) protects poultry |
| HOAs | - | Most prohibit livestock and poultry |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Denton FAQ
Can I keep chickens in Denton?
Yes, if your lot is at least 10,000 square feet. You may keep up to 12 hens. Roosters are prohibited in residential zones. The coop must be in the rear yard at least 50 feet from neighboring homes.
Can I keep goats in my backyard?
Goats are classified as livestock and require agricultural zoning or a lot of at least one acre. Standard residential lots do not qualify for goat keeping.
Where do I report a rooster complaint?
Contact Denton Animal Services at (940) 349-7594. Roosters in residential zones are a code violation subject to removal.
Little Elm FAQ
Can I keep chickens in Little Elm?
It depends on your zoning district and lot size. Chickens may be allowed in agricultural and estate residential zones. Check with Planning and Zoning at (972) 377-5556 for your property.
Does Texas law protect backyard chickens?
Texas HB 1750 (2023) provides some state-level protection for poultry as agricultural use. However, Little Elm can still regulate through zoning, and HOA deed restrictions may prohibit chickens entirely.
Can I keep goats or horses in Little Elm?
Livestock is generally restricted to agricultural zoning districts with minimum acreage requirements. Most residential subdivisions do not allow livestock.
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