Backyard Chickens in Georgetown, Texas

Can you keep chickens in Georgetown?

Thinking about keeping backyard hens in Georgetown, Texas? The city allows up to 8 hens per residential property, with a required coop kept at least 20 feet from a neighbor's home — just be sure to check your HOA rules too, since they can still say no even when the city says yes.

Yes – with conditions

Yes, backyard hens are allowed in Georgetown, Texas. Per the City's official Animal Ordinances summary (Title 7 - Animals of the Georgetown Code of Ordinances), hens are permitted within city limits, not to exceed 8 hens per property, unless prohibited by a homeowners' association. The ordinance is silent on roosters specifically, addressing only 'hens' as the permitted backyard fowl.

Read the ordinance ↗

The rules at a glance

Hens in city limits: Allowed
How many hens: 8
Roosters: Not Specified
Permit required: No
Permit cost: Not specified
Setback from property line: 20 ft.

Peggy knows Georgetown

The rules, straight from the municipal code.

A coop is required for keeping hens.
The coop must be located at least 20 feet from the private residence of another person.
Hens must be contained within the owner's backyard at all times (no free-roaming off the owner's property).
General nuisance rules apply: animals may not be allowed to damage, soil, or defecate on another's property, and waste must be promptly removed.
Even where the city permits hens, a homeowners' association (HOA) may separately prohibit them, so residents should check any applicable deed restrictions or HOA covenants.

Where this comes from

Keeping a flock happy in Georgetown

🌡️ Climate

USDA Hardiness Zone 8b (Central Texas / Hill Country transition)

Georgetown sits in Central Texas at the edge of the Hill Country, with hot, often humid summers regularly exceeding 95-100°F and mild, generally short winters with occasional freezes. Flock owners need to prioritize summer heat management (shade, ventilation, and cool water) more than winter cold protection.

🦝 Who's after your hens

HawkRaccoonCoyoteSnakeOpossumFox

Central Texas backyard flocks commonly face aerial threats from hawks, along with ground predators such as raccoons, opossums, foxes, and coyotes that are active in the Georgetown area's greenbelts and creeks. Snakes (including rat snakes) are also a concern for egg and chick predation. Secure, hardware-cloth-covered coops and runs are strongly recommended.

🐔 Breeds that do well here

Rhode Island Red, Australorp, Easter Egger, Leghorn, Buff Orpington

Our package comes with two Rhode Island Reds – hardy in heat and cold, and friendly with kids.

Questions people ask about Georgetown

▸How many chickens can I keep in Georgetown, TX?

The City's animal ordinance allows up to 8 hens per property within city limits.

▸Are roosters allowed in Georgetown?

The city's published ordinance summary addresses only 'hens' and does not explicitly mention roosters, so the rule on roosters is not clearly specified in the available city summary. Residents should confirm directly with Georgetown Animal Services or the full Title 7 code before keeping a rooster.

▸Do I need a permit to keep backyard hens in Georgetown?

No permit for hens is mentioned in the city's animal ordinance summary. The only permit referenced for animals is a Multiple Pet Permit, which applies to owning more than 5 dogs and/or cats, not to chickens.

▸How far must my chicken coop be from my neighbor's house?

A coop must be located at least 20 feet from the private residence of another person.

▸Can my HOA stop me from keeping chickens even though the city allows it?

Yes. The city's own ordinance summary notes that hens are allowed 'unless not allowed by HOA,' meaning a homeowners' association can still prohibit chickens on your property even though the city permits them.

City rules change, and this page is a summary rather than legal advice. Please confirm with Georgetown or your HOA before you order – and call us on (559) 321-7271 if you'd like a hand. Last checked September 21, 2026.