Can I keep chickens in Houston, TX?
Yes, with conditions — Houston allows chickens only in certain zones or lot configurations (up to 30 hens where permitted). Roosters are prohibited, and coops must be at least 100 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (Houston Code ch. 6, art. II (Secs. 6-31 to 6-39), verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Conditional (zone / lot rules) |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | 30 |
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Permit required | No |
| Coop setback | 100 ft |
| Coop rules | Pens cleaned and disinfected daily, limed every two days; litter collected daily in flytight containers, hauled at least weekly (Sec. 6-36). |
| Code section | Houston Code ch. 6, art. II (Secs. 6-31 to 6-39) |
Houston has no hen cap for most lots but a hard distance rule: chickens and pens must be at least 100 ft from any neighboring residence, church, school, or hospital - which effectively bars chickens on most standard city lots. Up to 30 chickens per 65x125-ft lot where the 100-ft rule is met. A revocable BARC permit allows up to 7 hens closer than 100 ft; roosters are prohibited.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Houston?
Yes, with conditions — Houston allows chickens only in certain zones or situations (Houston Code ch. 6, art. II (Secs. 6-31 to 6-39)).
How many chickens can I keep in Houston?
Up to 30 hens. Coop must be 100 ft from any neighboring residence/church/school/hospital; where met, up to 30 chickens per 8,125 sq ft lot. If under 100 ft, max 7 hens with a revocable BARC permit (Sec. 6-39).. Rules vary by zoning district — check the full summary for your zone.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Houston?
No — no permit is required for the base allowance in Houston.
Are roosters allowed in Houston?
No — roosters are prohibited in Houston.
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in Houston?
100 feet minimum. Pens cleaned and disinfected daily, limed every two days; litter collected daily in flytight containers, hauled at least weekly (Sec. 6-36).
What law covers backyard chickens in Houston?
Houston Code ch. 6, art. II (Secs. 6-31 to 6-39). Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Houston Code ch. 6, art. II (Secs. 6-31 to 6-39) — read the official code
“It is unlawful for any person to be in possession or engaged in the sale of roosters or male chickens within the city.” source
“unlawful ... to keep ... any chickens ... within 100 feet of any actual residence or habitation of human beings, or within 100 feet of any church, school or hospital, other than the residence of the keeper” source
Last verified June 12, 2026. Always confirm with your municipality — HOA rules can be stricter than city code.
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