Can I keep chickens in Austin, TX?
Yes — Austin allows backyard chickens with no permit required. Coops must be at least 30 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (Austin City Code Sec. 3-2-16 (Enclosure for Fowl), as amended by Ord. No. 20221013-030, verified July 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Yes |
|---|---|
| Permit required | No |
| Coop setback | 30 ft |
| Coop rules | Fowl must be kept in an enclosure with four secure sides and overhead cover (Sec. 3-2-11); enclosure may not exceed fence height limits. |
| Code section | Austin City Code Sec. 3-2-16 (Enclosure for Fowl), as amended by Ord. No. 20221013-030 |
No numeric cap on hens. An enclosure used to keep fowl must be at least 30 feet from an adjacent residence or business structure, excluding the owner's or handler's own, and at least 50 feet if the fowl or enclosure creates a health hazard. The 30-foot distance was set by an ordinance effective October 2022.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Austin?
Yes — chickens are allowed in Austin (Austin City Code Sec. 3-2-16 (Enclosure for Fowl), as amended by Ord. No. 20221013-030).
How many chickens can I keep in Austin?
It depends on your lot. No fixed cap; enclosure must be 30 ft from an adjacent residence or business (50 ft if a health hazard exists)..
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Austin?
No — no permit is required for the base allowance in Austin.
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in Austin?
30 feet minimum. Fowl must be kept in an enclosure with four secure sides and overhead cover (Sec. 3-2-11); enclosure may not exceed fence height limits.
What law covers backyard chickens in Austin?
Austin City Code Sec. 3-2-16 (Enclosure for Fowl), as amended by Ord. No. 20221013-030. Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Austin City Code Sec. 3-2-16 (Enclosure for Fowl), as amended by Ord. No. 20221013-030 — read the official code
“An enclosure used to keep fowl must be located at least 30 feet from an adjacent residence or business structure, excluding the residence or business of the fowl owner or handler.” source
“An enclosure used to keep fowl must be located at least 30 feet from an adjacent residence or business structure, excluding the residence or business of the fowl's owner or handler. An enclosure used to keep fowl must be located at least 50 feet from an adjacent residence or business structure if the fowl or the enclosure creates a health hazard.” source
Last verified July 26, 2026. Always confirm with your municipality — HOA rules can be stricter than city code. How we verify →
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