Can I keep chickens in Killeen, TX?
Yes — Killeen allows backyard chickens, up to 8 hens with no permit required. Roosters are prohibited, and coops must be at least 25 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (Killeen Code Sec. 6-159 (Ord. 23-013, eff. Mar 2023), verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Yes |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | 8 |
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Permit required | No |
| Coop setback | 25 ft |
| Coop rules | Hens confined in a coop at least 25 ft from any habitable structure on a neighboring property; all hens contained within the backyard. |
| Code section | Killeen Code Sec. 6-159 (Ord. 23-013, eff. Mar 2023) |
Killeen allows up to 8 hens per residence in residential zoning districts, confined in a coop at least 25 ft from any habitable structure on a neighboring property. Roosters are prohibited except in agricultural zones. No permit required. Verified verbatim against current code (June 2026).
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Killeen?
Yes — chickens are allowed in Killeen (Killeen Code Sec. 6-159 (Ord. 23-013, eff. Mar 2023)).
How many chickens can I keep in Killeen?
Up to 8 hens.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Killeen?
No — no permit is required for the base allowance in Killeen.
Are roosters allowed in Killeen?
No — roosters are prohibited in Killeen.
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in Killeen?
25 feet minimum. Hens confined in a coop at least 25 ft from any habitable structure on a neighboring property; all hens contained within the backyard.
What law covers backyard chickens in Killeen?
Killeen Code Sec. 6-159 (Ord. 23-013, eff. Mar 2023). Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Killeen Code Sec. 6-159 (Ord. 23-013, eff. Mar 2023) — read the official code
“A person may keep no more than eight (8) hens in residential zoning districts... confined in a chicken coop which is located no less than twenty-five (25) feet from any habitable structure on a neighboring property... Roosters are prohibited, except in agricultural zones.” source
Last verified June 12, 2026. Always confirm with your municipality — HOA rules can be stricter than city code.
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