More North Richland Hills residents can now raise chickens in their own backyards, after the approval of a new city ordinance during the Nov. 13 City Council Meeting. The backyard chicken ordinance removes the 1-acre requirement for raising chickens, which has been in place since 1985.
The number of chickens now allowed varies depending on the lot size and the distance of the chicken coop to neighboring homes:
- If distance is less than 30 feet on any lot size, no chickens are allowed.
- If distance is 30 feet or more on any lot size, 6 chickens are allowed.
- If distance is 50 feet or more:
- 10 chickens allowed when property is 8,400 square feet to ½ acre
- 15 chickens allowed when property is ½ acre to ¾ acre
- 18 chickens allowed when property is ¾ acre or greater
A permit must be obtained from the Neighborhood Services Department before owning chickens. To get approved, an applicant must complete an educational course on backyard hen care and submit a plan showing where their coop and exercise area will be located. If they do not own the property, their landlord would also need to provide written approval. There is no permit fee. Residents who already have chickens must apply for a permit within 60 days.
The ordinance prohibits roosters and other fowl. An on-site inspection would take place if there is a complaint. Homeowners associations are still allowed to forbid chickens in their neighborhoods.
The City Council will review the new ordinance after 2 years to see if it should continue as written, or if revisions should be made. For more information, please contact Neighborhood Services at 817-427-6650 or by emailing smartinez@nrhtx.com.
A copy of the ordinance and the application form will be posted here when available.