Can I keep chickens in Arlington, TX?
Yes — Arlington allows backyard chickens, up to 4 hens with no permit required. Roosters are prohibited, and coops must be at least 50 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (Arlington Code, Animals ch., Art. V, Sec. 5.02, verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Yes |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | 4 |
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Permit required | No |
| Coop setback | 50 ft |
| Coop rules | Chickens must be contained within a coop or pen at all times (Sec. 5.02(E)). |
| Code section | Arlington Code, Animals ch., Art. V, Sec. 5.02 |
Arlington allows up to 4 chickens on any residential lot with no distance or lot-size restrictions, as long as they stay confined. 5-10 birds require a coop at least 50 ft from the nearest neighboring dwelling; 10+ need over half an acre and 26+ over an acre. Roosters prohibited outside agricultural zoning; no permit required.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Arlington?
Yes — chickens are allowed in Arlington (Arlington Code, Animals ch., Art. V, Sec. 5.02).
How many chickens can I keep in Arlington?
Up to 4 hens. Tiered by lot size: 4 up to 21,780 sq ft.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Arlington?
No — no permit is required for the base allowance in Arlington.
Are roosters allowed in Arlington?
No — roosters are prohibited in Arlington.
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in Arlington?
50 feet minimum. Chickens must be contained within a coop or pen at all times (Sec. 5.02(E)).
What law covers backyard chickens in Arlington?
Arlington Code, Animals ch., Art. V, Sec. 5.02. Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Arlington Code, Animals ch., Art. V, Sec. 5.02 — read the official code
“Keeps or maintains more than four (4) fowl on one-half (1/2) acre or less or at a distance closer than fifty feet from any habitation located on another property.” source
“Keeps or maintains roosters except in an area zoned as agricultural.” source
Last verified June 12, 2026. Always confirm with your municipality — HOA rules can be stricter than city code.
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