Chickens & Livestock: Fort Worth vs Mansfield
How do chickens & livestock rules compare between Fort Worth, TX and Mansfield, TX?
Fort Worth and Mansfield 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 →Mansfield, TX
Tarrant County
Mansfield allows backyard hens with coop setbacks from neighboring homes under Chapter 14. Roosters are restricted in residential zones, and TX HB 1750 (2023) protects hens as agricultural operations.
View full Mansfield rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Fort Worth | Mansfield |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Mansfield FAQ
How many chickens can I keep in Mansfield, TX?
Mansfield limits the number of hens on residential lots and requires setbacks from neighboring dwellings. Check Chapter 14 for the current cap tied to your lot size.
Are roosters allowed in Mansfield?
Roosters are generally prohibited in residential zoning districts because of crowing noise, even where hens are permitted.
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