Can I keep chickens in El Paso, TX?
Yes, with conditions — El Paso allows chickens only in certain zones or lot configurations. Coops must be at least 30 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (El Paso City Code Title 7, Ch. 7.24, Sec. 7.24.020(B)(1) (permit threshold and rooster cap) and Sec. 7.24.030(B) (pen setback), verified July 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Conditional (zone / lot rules) |
|---|---|
| Roosters | Allowed with conditions |
| Permit required | Yes |
| Coop setback | 30 ft |
| Coop rules | Fowl subject to permitting must be in a secure pen at least 30 ft from any private residence other than the keeper's, or from a hotel, apartment house, tenement house, hospital, church or school. The pen may be within 20 ft of such buildings if separated by a public alley and a solid fence or wall at least 6 ft high. The veterinary officer may waive the requirement in conjunction with a permit. |
| Code section | El Paso City Code Title 7, Ch. 7.24, Sec. 7.24.020(B)(1) (permit threshold and rooster cap) and Sec. 7.24.030(B) (pen setback) |
Fowl kept as household pets in quantities fewer than six need no permit. Six or more require an Animal Services permit, and permitted flocks must be penned at least 30 feet from any private residence other than the keeper's own (20 feet if separated by a public alley and a 6-foot solid fence). No more than three roosters per household. Farm-ranch and stockyard/stable districts are exempt from the permit requirement.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in El Paso?
Yes, with conditions — El Paso allows chickens only in certain zones or situations (El Paso City Code Title 7, Ch. 7.24, Sec. 7.24.020(B)(1) (permit threshold and rooster cap) and Sec. 7.24.030(B) (pen setback)).
How many chickens can I keep in El Paso?
It depends on your lot. Up to 5 fowl may be kept as household pets with no permit. Six or more require an Animal Services permit and trigger a 30 ft pen setback from neighboring residences. Maximum 3 roosters per household.. Rules vary by zoning district — check the full summary for your zone.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in El Paso?
Yes — El Paso requires a permit or registration before keeping chickens.
Are roosters allowed in El Paso?
Yes, with conditions — see El Paso's rules (El Paso City Code Title 7, Ch. 7.24, Sec. 7.24.020(B)(1) (permit threshold and rooster cap) and Sec. 7.24.030(B) (pen setback)).
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in El Paso?
30 feet minimum. Fowl subject to permitting must be in a secure pen at least 30 ft from any private residence other than the keeper's, or from a hotel, apartment house, tenement house, hospital, church or school. The pen may be within 20 ft of such buildings if separated by a public alley and a solid fence or wall at least 6 ft high. The veterinary officer may waive the requirement in conjunction with a permit.
What law covers backyard chickens in El Paso?
El Paso City Code Title 7, Ch. 7.24, Sec. 7.24.020(B)(1) (permit threshold and rooster cap) and Sec. 7.24.030(B) (pen setback). Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
El Paso City Code Title 7, Ch. 7.24, Sec. 7.24.020(B)(1) (permit threshold and rooster cap) and Sec. 7.24.030(B) (pen setback) — read the official code
“except where kept as household pets in quantities fewer than six, no person shall keep any rabbit or fowl within the city without a permit as herein provided, and where fowl are allowed, no person shall keep more than three roosters.” source
“Except in a farm-ranch district or zoning district in which a stockyard or stable is permitted or except where kept as household pets in quantities fewer than six, no person shall keep any rabbit or fowl within the city without a permit as herein provided, and where fowl are allowed, no person shall keep more than three roosters.” source
“Fowl and rabbits subject to permitting shall be kept in a secure pen or enclosure that is at least thirty feet from any private residence (except that of the owner or person keeping such fowl or rabbits) or any hotel, apartment house, tenement house, hospital, church or school; provided, the pen or enclosure may be within twenty feet of such buildings if separated therefrom by a public alley and by a solid fence or wall at least six feet high between the pen or enclosure and the alley.” 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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