Regulations for Keeping Chickens, Bees, and Large Animals on Residential Lots in the City of Fort Worth
Residents of the City of Fort Worth may keep large animals in One-Family ("A") and Two-Family ("B") districts provided they maintain at least 10,000 square feet of pasture per animal, or 5,000 square feet for miniature breeds. Beekeeping is permitted on City of Fort Worth residential lots with the number of hives restricted based on the total acreage of the property, ranging from two to six hives for lots under one acre. Fowl and chickens are allowed across the City of Fort Worth in accordance with specific municipal code compliance standards regarding the keeping of pigeons and certain fowl.
Large Animal and Livestock Regulations
In the City of Fort Worth, "Large Animals" are defined as any equine animal (horses, mules, donkeys), bovine animal (cows, steers, bulls), llamas, sheep, goats, pigs, or large flightless birds such as ostriches and rheas [§ 9.101].
Requirements for One-Family ("A") and Two-Family ("B") Districts
The City of Fort Worth permits the keeping of large animals by right in "A" and "B" districts if the following criteria are met:
- Pasture Space: The property owner must provide a specific amount of square footage per animal.
- Proximity to Structures: All large animals must be kept at least 50 feet away from any regulated structure [§ 5.307].
- Residency: The property owner must reside on the property where the animals are kept or within one-quarter mile of the location [§ 5.307].
- Acreage: The owner must possess a total of at least one-half acre of contiguous land to keep a large animal [§ 5.307].
| Animal Type | Minimum Pasture Space Required |
|---|---|
| Standard Large Animals (Horses, Cows, etc.) | 10,000 square feet per animal |
| Miniature breeds (Miniature horses, sheep, goats) | 5,000 square feet per animal |
Special Exceptions and Other Districts
If a resident in the City of Fort Worth cannot meet the standard pasture or distance requirements in an "A" or "B" district, they may apply to the board of adjustment for a special exception. The board will consider the quality of the shelters, the presence of other animals in the neighborhood, and potential impacts on adjacent properties [§ 5.307]. In Agricultural ("AG") and Heavy Industrial ("K") districts, the City of Fort Worth requires that animals either be kept 50 feet from regulated structures or follow the 10,000/5,000 square foot pasture rules [§ 5.307].
Beekeeping and Apiaries
The City of Fort Worth allows beekeeping as part of its Urban Agriculture provisions. All apiaries must be maintained in sound working condition with removable frames or top bars [§ 5.146].
Hive Density and Placement
The number of hives permitted by the City of Fort Worth is strictly determined by the size of the residential lot:
| Lot Size | Maximum Number of Hives Permitted |
|---|---|
| 1/4 acre or smaller | 2 hives |
| 1/4 acre to 1/2 acre | 4 hives |
| 1/2 acre to 1 acre | 6 hives |
| Larger than 1 acre | No limit |
Safety and Maintenance Standards
- Water Source: A convenient source of water must be provided on the property at all times to prevent bees from congregating at neighbor's swimming pools or water sources [§ 5.146].
- Fencing: If hive entrances are located within 25 feet of an adjacent property line, a solid wall, fence, or hedge at least six feet high must be placed between the hives and the property line [§ 5.146].
- Behavior: If a colony exhibits aggressive behavior, the City of Fort Worth requires the beekeeper to re-queen the colony [§ 5.146].
Chickens and Other Fowl
The City of Fort Worth permits the keeping of fowl on residential lots. These activities are governed by Section 11A-22 of the City of Fort Worth "Code Compliance" regarding the keeping of pigeons and certain fowl [§ 5.146]. While raising large animals for production or slaughter is prohibited under Urban Agriculture rules in residential districts, the maintenance of fowl is allowed as long as the use remains accessory to the primary residential use and does not create a nuisance [§ 5.146].
Urban Agriculture and Community Gardens
The City of Fort Worth encourages "Urban Agriculture," which includes the operation of gardens for food crops and beekeeping. In all City of Fort Worth residential districts and the Neighborhood Commercial Restricted ("ER") district, on-site sales of crops are permitted up to three days per week from sunrise to sunset, provided the sales area does not exceed 50 square feet [§ 5.146].
| Feature | Standard/Requirement |
|---|---|
| Maximum Sales Area | 50 square feet |
| Temporary Structures | 1 allowed for sales |
| Motorized Equipment | Not to exceed 10 horsepower |
| Compost/Mulch Piles | Max 6 feet in height; screened from public view |
Sections Cited
- § 4.200 Agricultural District ("AG")
- § 4.203 Floodplain ("O-1") District
- § 4.204 Floodplain ("O-2") District
- § 5.146 Urban Agriculture and Community Gardens
- § 5.307 Large Animals
- § 9.101 Defined Terms