Austin Chickens & Livestock Rules (2026) — What You Need to Know
Few RestrictionsKey Facts
- Hens Allowed
- Up to 10 per lot
- Roosters
- Prohibited in residential zones
- Coop Setback
- 50 feet from neighboring dwelling
- Permit Required
- No
- Goats Allowed
- Up to 2 on lots ≥ 0.25 acre
The Short Version
Austin is one of the more chicken-friendly big cities in Texas. You can keep up to 10 hens on a standard residential lot without a permit. Roosters are banned in residential zones — no exceptions. Your coop needs to be at least 50 feet from any neighboring dwelling and has to be a proper enclosed structure, not just chicken wire thrown over some posts. The city doesn't regulate egg sales from your property, so you can sell extras to neighbors without a food handler permit. Goats are also allowed (up to 2) as long as they're on at least a quarter acre.
Full Breakdown
Austin's animal keeping regulations (City Code Chapter 3-1) are among the most permissive for a large US city. The 10-hen limit applies to standard residential lots. Larger properties zoned agricultural can keep more, and there's no cap on agricultural-zoned parcels.
The 50-foot setback from neighboring homes is the biggest practical constraint. On a narrow urban lot, this can make it hard to find a legal spot for the coop. The coop itself must be fully enclosed with a solid floor or buried wire to prevent predators — Austin has a healthy hawk, raccoon, and coyote population that will find unsecured chickens.
Goats are allowed under a 2006 amendment to the code. You can keep up to two miniature goats on a quarter-acre lot. Standard-size goats need a half acre. All goats must be dehorned or naturally polled. The city requires that goat shelters have a solid roof and at least three walls.
What Happens If You Violate This?
Violations are handled through Austin Code Compliance. The first complaint typically results in an inspection and a notice to comply within 30 days. Fines start at $500 for unresolved violations and can reach $2,000 per day for ongoing non-compliance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Austin?
Can I sell eggs from my backyard chickens?
Are ducks or quail allowed in Austin?
Related Ordinances in Austin
How does Austin compare?
See how Austin's chickens & livestock rules stack up against other locations.