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 of Ordinances, Ch. 6 (Animals), Sec. 6-159 (Backyard chickens), verified July 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Yes |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | 8 |
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Permit required | No |
| Coop setback | 25 ft |
| Coop rules | Hens must be confined in a chicken coop no less than 25 feet from any habitable structure on a neighboring property and contained within the backyard. The coop must be kept sanitary and accumulation of chicken waste is prohibited. |
| Code section | Killeen Code of Ordinances, Ch. 6 (Animals), Sec. 6-159 (Backyard chickens) |
Up to 8 hens may be kept in residential zoning districts, confined in a coop located at least 25 feet from any habitable structure on a neighboring property. All hens must stay in the backyard and the coop must be kept in sanitary condition.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Killeen?
Yes — chickens are allowed in Killeen (Killeen Code of Ordinances, Ch. 6 (Animals), Sec. 6-159 (Backyard chickens)).
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 must be confined in a chicken coop no less than 25 feet from any habitable structure on a neighboring property and contained within the backyard. The coop must be kept sanitary and accumulation of chicken waste is prohibited.
What law covers backyard chickens in Killeen?
Killeen Code of Ordinances, Ch. 6 (Animals), Sec. 6-159 (Backyard chickens). Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Killeen Code of Ordinances, Ch. 6 (Animals), Sec. 6-159 (Backyard chickens) — 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
“All hens must be contained within the backyard. The chicken coop must be maintained in a sanitary condition and the accumulation of chicken waste on the property is prohibited.” source
“A person may keep no more than eight (8) hens in residential zoning districts of the city provided that the hens are confined in a chicken coop which is located no less than twenty-five (25) feet from any habitable structure on a neighboring property.” 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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