Backyard chickens in College Station, Texas

Yes. College Station's Code of Ordinances, Chapter 6 ("Animals"), Article V ("Livestock, Birds, Exotic Animals and Wild Animals"), Sec. 6-147 "Fowl" allows the keeping of chickens and other domestic fowl in single-family residential zones, but only with a permit, and subject to enclosure-distance rules and a citywide rooster ban.

Under Sec. 6-147(b)-(c), keeping of fowl in a single-family residential zone requires a permit issued by the City, obtained by submitting an application identifying the location, owner, type/number of fowl, enclosure type and distance from adjacent residences, and paying a fee set by the City Council. In rural/estate-type zones (R Rural, WE Wellborn Estate, E Estate) fowl may be kept without a permit under Sec. 6-147(a).

Sec. 6-147(d) sets enclosure setback and flock-size tiers: any enclosure that houses fowl must be at least 50 feet from any dwelling other than the owner's own dwelling; an enclosure 50 to 100 feet away may house up to 6 fowl, and an enclosure more than 100 feet away may house up to 12 fowl. Deviations from the distance requirement may be granted by the Zoning Board of Adjustment. Sec. 6-147(e) makes it a nuisance offense (enforceable up to 5,000 feet outside city limits) to keep fowl in a way that creates odor, unreasonable noise, pest attraction, or otherwise endangers neighbors' health/safety/comfort. Sec. 6-147(f) states plainly that it is unlawful to own, keep, harbor, or maintain or possess a rooster within the City limits.

News coverage of the 2021 amendment process (College Station PD Chief Billy Couch/Coach) reported that single families in residential zones can apply for a $35 permit to allow them to own fowl on their property, and confirmed that roosters remain banned and fowl must be kept caged.

College Station sits in east-central Texas with hot, humid summers (frequently 95-100°F+) and mild, short winters. Chicken keepers should prioritize heat-tolerant breeds, ample shade, ventilation, and fresh water in summer, while winter cold-hardiness is a minor concern.

College Station's city government has specifically flagged predator risk as a rationale for its fowl setback rules; Chief Coach addressed the inherent dangers that come from housing fowl on residential property, such as attracting natural predators like snakes and foxes to the neighborhood. Hawks, raccoons, opossums, and coyotes are also common in Brazos County backyards, so secure, fully-enclosed coops and runs are strongly advised.