Can I keep chickens in Fort Worth, TX?
Yes — Fort Worth allows backyard chickens, up to 12 hens with no permit required. Coops must be at least 50 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (Fort Worth Code, App. B, Sec. 11A-22, verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Yes |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | 12 |
| Roosters | Allowed with conditions |
| Permit required | No |
| Coop setback | 50 ft |
| Coop rules | All fowl in a fully enclosed coop/pen; wastes collected daily in ratproof, fly-tight containers, disposed weekly; coop at least 50 ft from regulated structures. |
| Code section | Fort Worth Code, App. B, Sec. 11A-22 |
Fort Worth allows backyard fowl without a permit, capped by lot size: 12 birds on a half-acre or less, 25 on a half-to-one-acre lot, 50 on an acre or more. Coops must be at least 50 ft from neighboring residences and similar structures. Up to two roosters allowed in residential zoning.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Fort Worth?
Yes — chickens are allowed in Fort Worth (Fort Worth Code, App. B, Sec. 11A-22).
How many chickens can I keep in Fort Worth?
Up to 12 hens. Tiered by lot size: 12 up to 21,780 sq ft; 25 up to 43,560 sq ft.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Fort Worth?
No — no permit is required for the base allowance in Fort Worth.
Are roosters allowed in Fort Worth?
Yes, with conditions — see Fort Worth's rules (Fort Worth Code, App. B, Sec. 11A-22).
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in Fort Worth?
50 feet minimum. All fowl in a fully enclosed coop/pen; wastes collected daily in ratproof, fly-tight containers, disposed weekly; coop at least 50 ft from regulated structures.
What law covers backyard chickens in Fort Worth?
Fort Worth Code, App. B, Sec. 11A-22. Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Fort Worth Code, App. B, Sec. 11A-22 — read the official code
“if, on one-half acre or less, the person knowingly: (1) Keeps or maintains more than 12 fowl” source
“keeps or maintains any number of pigeons and/or fowl within 50 feet of any regulated structures” source
Last verified June 12, 2026. Always confirm with your municipality — HOA rules can be stricter than city code.
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