Chickens & Livestock: Fort Worth vs Keller
How do chickens & livestock rules compare between Fort Worth, TX and Keller, TX?
Fort Worth and Keller 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 →Keller, TX
Tarrant County
Keller allows backyard hens with coop setbacks and secure enclosures. Larger livestock requires agricultural zoning. TX HB 1750 (2023) protects chickens as agricultural operations.
View full Keller rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Fort Worth | Keller |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | - |
| Hens | - | Allowed with setbacks |
| Roosters | - | Prohibited in residential |
| Livestock | - | Requires ag zoning or estate lot |
| State Law | - | TX HB 1750 (2023) |
| HOA Overlay | - | Often bans hens outright |
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.
Keller FAQ
How many chickens can I keep in Keller?
Keller caps the number of hens allowed on a residential lot and requires setbacks from neighboring homes. Check Chapter 14 for the current number tied to your lot size.
Are roosters allowed in Keller?
Roosters are typically prohibited in residential zoning districts because of crowing noise, even where hens are permitted.
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