Can I keep chickens in Dallas, TX?
Yes — Dallas allows backyard chickens with no permit required. Coops must be at least 20 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (Dallas City Code ch. 7, Secs. 7-3.2, 7-7.3, 7-7.4, verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Yes |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | No numeric cap |
| Roosters | Allowed with conditions |
| Permit required | No |
| Coop setback | 20 ft |
| Coop rules | Enclosures kept sanitary (Sec. 7-3.2); no unreasonable animal noise over 15 consecutive minutes near a residence; rooster enclosures at least 20 ft from adjacent property lines. |
| Code section | Dallas City Code ch. 7, Secs. 7-3.2, 7-7.3, 7-7.4 |
Dallas sets no numeric limit on backyard hens and requires no permit; constraints are sanitation and noise rules. The code prohibits roosters, but Dallas Animal Services states that under Texas HB 1750 (effective Sept 2023) it is currently lawful to keep roosters in city limits, subject to a 20-ft enclosure setback.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Dallas?
Yes — chickens are allowed in Dallas (Dallas City Code ch. 7, Secs. 7-3.2, 7-7.3, 7-7.4).
How many chickens can I keep in Dallas?
Dallas sets no numeric cap on hens.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Dallas?
No — no permit is required for the base allowance in Dallas.
Are roosters allowed in Dallas?
Yes, with conditions — see Dallas's rules (Dallas City Code ch. 7, Secs. 7-3.2, 7-7.3, 7-7.4).
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in Dallas?
20 feet minimum. Enclosures kept sanitary (Sec. 7-3.2); no unreasonable animal noise over 15 consecutive minutes near a residence; rooster enclosures at least 20 ft from adjacent property lines.
What law covers backyard chickens in Dallas?
Dallas City Code ch. 7, Secs. 7-3.2, 7-7.3, 7-7.4. Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Dallas City Code ch. 7, Secs. 7-3.2, 7-7.3, 7-7.4 — read the official code
“Pursuant to House Bill 1750 overriding the City of Dallas code requirements prohibiting keeping of roosters as of September 2023, it is currently lawful to keep roosters within city limits.” source
Last verified June 12, 2026. Always confirm with your municipality — HOA rules can be stricter than city code.
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