Backyard Chickens in Lubbock, Texas

Can you keep chickens in Lubbock?

Thinking about keeping backyard chickens in Lubbock, Texas? The city welcomes small flocks of hens in most residential neighborhoods, making it easy to enjoy fresh eggs while adapting to the South Plains' dry, windy climate.

Yes – with conditions

Yes. The City of Lubbock allows up to six (6) chicken hens as an accessory use on residential property zoned R-1, R-1A, or R-2, without needing a permit (§ 4.07.001(b)). Roosters are not permitted anywhere in the city (§ 4.07.001(b)(8)). Anyone wishing to keep more than six hens at a single residence must obtain a multipet permit from the Director of Animal Services (§ 4.07.001(c)).

Read the ordinance ↗

The rules at a glance

Hens in city limits: Allowed
How many hens: 6
Roosters: No
Permit required: No
Permit cost: Not specified
Setback from property line: 5 ft.

Peggy knows Lubbock

The rules, straight from the municipal code.

Under Lubbock City Code § 4.07.001(b), hen-keeping is subject to the following conditions:

Chickens must be kept as an accessory use to the main building on the property.
Hens must remain confined in an enclosure to prevent them from running at large.
The enclosure must be located in the rear yard.
If the enclosure is less than 200 square feet, it must maintain a minimum 5-foot setback from a side or rear property line; enclosures larger than 200 sq ft must meet the broader zoning-code setback requirements in Chapter 40.
Enclosures must be sized for good sanitation with adequate, sanitary drainage.
Litter and droppings must be collected daily into a rat-proof, fly-tight container and disposed of at least once daily.
Feed must be stored in a rodent- and wildlife-proof, fly-tight receptacle.
Roosters are prohibited.
Keeping hens must not create a nuisance (dust, odor, noise, vibration, etc.) that interferes with neighbors' enjoyment of their property.
Residents wanting more than 6 hens must apply for a multipet permit ($40 application fee per City Code § 4.02.041(a)(8)) through Animal Services, comply with zoning ordinance §40.03.204(11), and pass an inspection; permits are valid up to two years and expire March 31 of the second year after approval.

Where this comes from

Keeping a flock happy in Lubbock

🌡️ Climate

USDA Hardiness Zone 7a/7b (semi-arid, High Plains)

Lubbock has a semi-arid climate with hot summers (often 95°F+), cold winters (occasional single-digit lows), high winds, and low humidity. Coops should provide strong shade and ventilation for summer heat, wind-breaks for winter cold and dust storms, and secure, sturdy construction to withstand frequent high winds common to the South Plains region.

🦝 Who's after your hens

HawkRaccoonCoyoteOpossumSkunk

Lubbock's mix of urban and open High Plains terrain means backyard flocks should be secured against hawks and other birds of prey overhead, as well as ground predators like raccoons, coyotes, opossums, and skunks that may attempt to dig under or reach into coops at night.

🐔 Breeds that do well here

Rhode Island Red, Australorp, Plymouth Rock, Wyandotte, Leghorn (heat- and cold-tolerant dual-purpose breeds suited to wide temperature swings)

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

Questions people ask about Lubbock

▸How many hens can I keep in Lubbock without a permit?

You can keep up to six (6) hens without a permit on property zoned R-1, R-1A, or R-2, as long as you follow the enclosure, setback, and sanitation rules in § 4.07.001(b).

▸Are roosters allowed in Lubbock?

No. Roosters are explicitly prohibited under § 4.07.001(b)(8) of the city code, primarily due to noise concerns.

▸What if I want more than six hens?

You must apply for a multipet permit through the Director of Animal Services, pay a $40 application fee, pass an inspection, and comply with additional zoning requirements under §40.03.204(11).

▸Where must I keep my chicken coop?

The coop/enclosure must be located in the rear yard. If it's under 200 square feet, it needs at least a 5-foot setback from side or rear property lines; larger enclosures follow the city's broader zoning setback rules.

▸Do I need to clean the coop on a specific schedule?

Yes. Litter and droppings must be collected daily and stored in a rat-proof, fly-tight container, then disposed of at least once a day to prevent unsanitary conditions.

City rules change, and this page is a summary rather than legal advice. Please confirm with Lubbock or your HOA before you order – and call us on (559) 321-7271 if you'd like a hand. Last checked September 6, 2026.