Regulations for Keeping Livestock and Chickens in the City of Dallas
Residents of the City of Dallas may keep chickens in residential districts by maintaining an urban garden, provided they comply with specific enclosure and signage standards. Larger livestock, such as cows, pigs, and goats, are generally permitted only in the Agricultural [A(A)] District on lots of at least three acres, while horses may be kept in most residential districts on lots of at least one acre with a private stable [Section 51A-4.201]. The Dallas Development Code identifies beekeeping (apiculture) as a prohibited example within certain agricultural use categories and does not explicitly permit the practice in residential areas [Section 51A-13.306(d)(9)].
Keeping Chickens in Residential Districts
The Dallas Development Code permits the raising of chickens in any zoning district within the City of Dallas under the classification of an Urban Garden [Section 51A-4.201(3)(E)(ii)]. This permission is subject to several operational and structural requirements to ensure the activity remains compatible with residential neighborhoods.
Urban Garden Structure and Signage Standards
When keeping chickens as part of an urban garden in a residential district, the property owner must follow the structural limitations and notification requirements set by the City of Dallas.
| Regulation Category | Requirement for Urban Gardens in the City of Dallas |
|---|---|
| Structure Size Limit | No single structure (e.g., a coop) may exceed 200 square feet [Section 51A-4.201(3)(E)(iii)]. |
| Total Lot Coverage | Combined structures for the garden may not exceed 10% of the total lot area [Section 51A-4.201(3)(E)(iii)]. |
| Mandatory Signage | One flat, non-illuminated sign (max 6 sq. ft.) must display emergency contact info and Dallas 311 info [Section 51A-4.201(3)(E)(iv)]. |
| Prohibited Sales | The on-site sale of eggs is prohibited in all residential districts [Section 51A-4.201(3)(E)(vii)]. |
| Bed Cover Height | Structures assisting growth (like hoop-houses) are capped at 4 feet high from the growing surface [Section 51A-4.201(3)(E)(vi)]. |
Keeping Horses and Private Stables
The City of Dallas allows residents to keep horses for private use in residential districts, provided the lot size is sufficient to accommodate a private stable. For most residential districts, keeping a horse is a matter of right if the lot is at least one acre; for smaller lots, a Specific Use Permit (SUP) is required [Section 51A-4.201(4)(B)].
| Metric | City of Dallas Private Stable Standards |
|---|---|
| Minimum Lot Area | 15,000 square feet required to keep the first horse [Section 51A-4.201(4)(E)(i)]. |
| Horse Density (1-2 acres) | Two horses allowed on lots between 0.5 and 1 acre; three horses allowed on 1 to 2 acres [Section 51A-4.201(4)(E)(i)]. |
| Horse Density (2+ acres) | One-half acre of land is required for each additional horse [Section 51A-4.201(4)(E)(i)]. |
| Minimum Pen Size | Stables must include a pen or corral of at least 800 square feet per animal [Section 51A-4.201(4)(E)(ii)]. |
| Roofed Area | Each animal must have at least 100 square feet of roofed shelter [Section 51A-4.201(4)(E)(ii)]. |
| Proximity to Property Line | Pens and stables must be located at least 20 feet from any adjacent property line [Section 51A-4.201(4)(E)(iv)]. |
General Livestock in the Agricultural [A(A)] District
General "Animal Production," which the City of Dallas defines to include the raising of cows, pigs, sheep, goats, and turkeys, is primarily reserved for the Agricultural [A(A)] District [Section 51A-4.201(1)]. This district is intended for fringe areas of the city where urban services are not yet fully available [Section 51A-4.111(1)].
| Regulation Type | Agricultural [A(A)] District Standard |
|---|---|
| Minimum Lot Size | 3 acres [Section 51A-4.201(1)(E)(i)] |
| Structure Setback | 20 feet from any adjacent property line [Section 51A-4.201(1)(E)(vi)] |
| Max Building Height | 24 feet [Section 51A-4.111(4)(E)] |
| Max Lot Coverage | 10% for residential structures; 25% for nonresidential [Section 51A-4.111(4)(F)] |
Beekeeping and Other Restrictions
The provided text of the Dallas Development Code includes "apiculture" (beekeeping) in a list of prohibited examples under the definition of agricultural industrial uses [Section 51A-13.306(d)(9)]. Furthermore, within the specific regulations for Urban Gardens in residential districts, the City of Dallas permits only aquaponics, aquaculture, and the raising of chickens, while explicitly prohibiting all other forms of animal production [Section 51A-4.201(3)(E)(ii)].
Enforcement and Penalties
The City of Dallas enforces these animal regulations through criminal prosecution. Any person found in violation of these sections of the Dallas Development Code is guilty of an offense for each day the violation occurs. The minimum fine is $200, and the maximum fine is $2,000 per day per violation [Section 51A-1.103(a)(1)].
Sections Cited
- Section 51A-1.103 (Enforcement)
- Section 51A-4.111 (Agricultural [A(A)] District)
- Section 51A-4.201 (Agricultural Uses)
- Section 51A-13.306 (Uses)