Can I keep chickens in El Paso, TX?
Yes, with conditions — El Paso allows chickens only in certain zones or lot configurations. Coops must be at least 30 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (El Paso City Code Title 7, ch. 7.24, Secs. 7.24.020(B)(1), 7.24.030(B), verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Conditional (zone / lot rules) |
|---|---|
| Roosters | Allowed with conditions |
| Permit required | Yes |
| Coop setback | 30 ft |
| Coop rules | Permitted fowl kept in a secure pen at least 30 ft from any private residence (other than owner), hotel, apartment, hospital, church, or school; 20 ft allowed across a public alley with a solid 6-ft fence; vet officer may waive distances. |
| Code section | El Paso City Code Title 7, ch. 7.24, Secs. 7.24.020(B)(1), 7.24.030(B) |
El Paso allows up to 5 chickens kept as household pets without a permit; keeping 6 or more requires an Animal Services permit, with pens at least 30 ft from neighboring residences and protected buildings. Up to 3 roosters are allowed per household. Verified against current code (June 2026).
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in El Paso?
Yes, with conditions — El Paso allows chickens only in certain zones or situations (El Paso City Code Title 7, ch. 7.24, Secs. 7.24.020(B)(1), 7.24.030(B)).
How many chickens can I keep in El Paso?
It depends on your lot. Up to 5 as household pets without a permit; 6+ requires an Animal Services fowl permit with 30-ft pen rule. Max 3 roosters per household.. Rules vary by zoning district — check the full summary for your zone.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in El Paso?
Yes — El Paso requires a permit or registration before keeping chickens.
Are roosters allowed in El Paso?
Yes, with conditions — see El Paso's rules (El Paso City Code Title 7, ch. 7.24, Secs. 7.24.020(B)(1), 7.24.030(B)).
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in El Paso?
30 feet minimum. Permitted fowl kept in a secure pen at least 30 ft from any private residence (other than owner), hotel, apartment, hospital, church, or school; 20 ft allowed across a public alley with a solid 6-ft fence; vet officer may waive distances.
What law covers backyard chickens in El Paso?
El Paso City Code Title 7, ch. 7.24, Secs. 7.24.020(B)(1), 7.24.030(B). Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
El Paso City Code Title 7, ch. 7.24, Secs. 7.24.020(B)(1), 7.24.030(B) — read the official code
“except where kept as household pets in quantities fewer than six, no person shall keep any rabbit or fowl within the city without a permit as herein provided, and where fowl are allowed, no person shall keep more than three roosters.” source
Last verified June 12, 2026. Always confirm with your municipality — HOA rules can be stricter than city code.
Reach people actively researching backyard chickens in their city. Sponsor placements opening soon.
Get the media kit →