Backyard chickens in North Richland Hills, Texas
Everything you need to know before you start a backyard flock in North Richland Hills – the rules, the climate and the neighbors with teeth.
Can you keep chickens in North Richland Hills?
North Richland Hills welcomes backyard chicken keepers on single-family residential lots of any size, provided you secure an annual (free) permit, keep hens in the rear yard, and respect the city's distance-based flock-size tiers. Roosters aren't part of the deal, so plan for a quiet, hen-only flock.
Yes – with conditions
Yes, backyard chickens are allowed in North Richland Hills, but only on single-family residential lots with a permanent dwelling, and only in the rear yard, after obtaining a Backyard Chicken Permit from the Neighborhood Services Department (§ 14-600, § 14-601).
Roosters and any fowl other than backyard chickens are prohibited citywide (§ 14-600(b)).
The number of hens allowed is tiered based on the distance from the chicken coop to the exterior of primary residential structures on adjacent properties, and on lot size (§ 14-604, Attachment A): if that distance is under 30 feet, no chickens may be kept at all; if it is 30–49 feet, up to 6 hens are allowed regardless of lot size; on larger lots with 50+ feet of separation, the cap rises to 10, 15, or 18 hens depending on acreage.
The rules at a glance
- Hens in city limits
- Allowed
- How many hens
- 6
- Roosters
- No
- Permit required
- Yes
- Permit cost
- Not specified
- Setback from property line
- 30 ft.
Peggy knows North Richland Hills
The rules, straight from the municipal code.
Permit application (§ 14-601): Applicants must submit a permit application, floor plans/elevations (or manufacturer/model info for a commercial coop), a site plan showing property lines, setbacks, and distances to adjacent residential structures, notarized landlord approval if renting, and proof of completing an educational course on chicken care/sanitation. Permits are valid one year and renewable.
Coop & exercise area (§ 14-602): Must sit at least 3 feet from the property line or from any structure requiring a construction permit. On lots under 1/4 acre (10,890 sq ft), the coop/run must be behind a fence at least 6 feet tall. The coop must provide a minimum of 10 inches of roosting space per chicken and at least one nesting box per 4 chickens, and must be designed to fully contain the birds.
Chicken count tiers (§ 14-604, Attachment A): Less than 30 ft from adjacent home = 0 chickens allowed; 30–49 ft = 6 chickens (any lot size); 50+ ft with lot 8,400 sq ft–1/2 acre = up to 10; 1/2–3/4 acre = up to 15; 3/4 acre or more = up to 18.
Sanitation (§ 14-603): Manure must be removed at least weekly, stored in permanent containers away from neighboring properties, and feeding/watering must use impervious, insect/rodent-proof equipment.
Other rules: Chickens must stay in the rear yard/coop except during supervised daytime roaming or transport; no selling eggs, meat, or manure commercially; chickens may not be surrendered to the city's Animal Adoption and Rescue Center; escaped/at-large chickens are a violation (§ 14-604).
Keeping a flock happy in North Richland Hills
🌡️ Climate
USDA Hardiness Zone 8b
North Richland Hills sits in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b, part of the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, with hot, humid summers often exceeding 95°F and mild winters that occasionally dip into the low 20s. Coop design should prioritize shade, cross-ventilation, and ample water access for summer heat, while providing basic wind-block and dry bedding for the relatively brief cold snaps.
🦝 Who's after your hens
The City of North Richland Hills notes that wildlife common to the region includes rabbits, possums, armadillos, hawks, coyotes, skunks, snakes and other small animals, several of which pose direct threats to backyard flocks. Owners are legally responsible under the ordinance for protecting their chickens from predators and keeping them fully enclosed in the rear yard (§ 14-600(c)), so predator-proof coop hardware (hardware cloth, secure latches, covered runs) is essential given the presence of hawks, coyotes, and snakes in the area.
🐔 Breeds that do well here
Leghorn, Rhode Island Red, Plymouth Rock, Sussex, Australorp
Our package comes with two Rhode Island Reds – hardy in heat and cold, and friendly with kids.
Questions people ask about North Richland Hills
▸Can I keep roosters in North Richland Hills?
No. City code explicitly states the keeping of roosters or fowl, other than backyard chickens, under this article is prohibited (§ 14-600(b)).
▸How many hens can I keep?
It depends on the distance from your coop to neighboring homes and your lot size. Under 30 feet of separation means zero chickens; 30-49 feet allows 6 hens on any lot; 50+ feet allows 10-18 hens depending on acreage (§ 14-604, Attachment A).
▸Is there a fee for the backyard chicken permit?
No. The city's official chicken page confirms an annual permit must be obtained from the Neighborhood Services Department before owning chickens and there is no permit fee.
▸Do I need a course before getting chickens?
Yes. Applicants must provide proof of completion of an educational course on chicken care and sanitation as part of the permit application (§ 14-601(a)(5)).
▸How close can the coop be to my property line?
The coop and attached exercise area must be at least 3 feet from the property line or from any structure on the property that would require a construction permit (§ 14-602(b)).
City rules change, and this page is a summary rather than legal advice. Please confirm with North Richland Hills or your HOA before you order – and call us on (559) 321-7271 if you'd like a hand. Last checked September 29, 2026.
Ready to start your own flock?
Everything arrives at your door – the coop, two Rhode Island Red hens, and all the gear in between.
Start my farm · $1,499or 4 interest-free payments of $374.75 with
