Chickens & Livestock: Fort Worth vs Grapevine
How do chickens & livestock rules compare between Fort Worth, TX and Grapevine, TX?
Fort Worth and Grapevine have similar restriction levels.
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 →Grapevine, TX
Tarrant County
Grapevine allows backyard chickens with setback and coop requirements under Chapter 6 of the Code. Roosters are generally prohibited in residential zones. Livestock (cattle, horses, goats) require acreage under agricultural zoning.
View full Grapevine rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Fort Worth | Grapevine |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 25 feet from adjacent home |
| Hens | - | Allowed with setbacks |
| Roosters | - | Generally prohibited |
| State Law | - | TX HB 1750 treats chickens as ag |
| HOA Rules | - | Often ban chickens entirely |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
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.
Grapevine FAQ
Can I keep chickens in my Grapevine backyard?
Hens yes with proper coop placement and setbacks. Roosters are generally not allowed in residential zones due to noise. Check HOA covenants which often ban chickens outright.
Can I keep goats or horses?
Only on agriculturally zoned tracts or large acreage lots. Standard single-family residential zoning in Grapevine does not allow large livestock.
Does state law protect my chickens?
TX HB 1750 classifies backyard chickens as agricultural and limits what cities can ban. Setback and sanitation rules still apply and HOA covenants are not preempted by state law.
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