Backyard Chickens in Wylie, Texas

Can you keep chickens in Wylie?

Good news for Wylie flock owners: the City updated its animal ordinance in 2023 to formally allow backyard hens (after years of resident advocacy), provided you get a permit and keep the flock hen-only, spacious, and set back from neighboring homes.

Yes – with conditions

Yes, backyard chickens are legal in Wylie, Texas. Under Chapter 18 (Animals), Article I, Sec. 18-8 of the Wylie Code of Ordinances (Ordinance No. 2023-10), a resident may harbor or possess up to eight (8) backyard chickens on residential property, but only after first obtaining a fowl permit from the City's animal services department (§ 18-8(b)). Roosters are not allowed — the ordinance classifies roosters, along with ducks, turkeys, geese, peacocks and guineas, as prohibited 'loud fowl' within city limits (§ 18-8(c)). Note that this city ordinance does not override any stricter HOA rules (§ 18-8(b)).

Read the ordinance ↗

The rules at a glance

Hens in city limits: Allowed
How many hens: 8
Roosters: No
Permit required: Yes
Setback from property line: 25 ft.

Peggy knows Wylie

The rules, straight from the municipal code.

Enclosure/run must provide a minimum of 10 square feet of run space per hen, plus a coop/shelter of at least 3 square feet per hen (§ 18-8(d)).
The coop or enclosure must be at least 25 feet from the nearest inhabited dwelling other than the owner's own home (§ 18-8(e)).
The chicken coop or enclosure must be located in the rear yard, no closer than 5 feet from any property line, and must not be visible from a public street (§ 18-8(g)).
Any fowl kept must be housed in a secure pen, coop, or enclosure of sufficient construction and strength to prevent the animals from running at large (§ 18-8(f)).
A fowl permit is required per property, is non-transferable, and terminates if the permit holder moves or stops keeping chickens; the City may revoke a permit for noncompliance (§ 18-8(b),(h)).
If surrounding development later brings another dwelling closer than 25 feet, the enclosure may need to be relocated or, if that's not possible, the chickens must be removed within one year (§ 18-8(i)).
This ordinance does not supersede any stricter homeowners' association (HOA) rules (§ 18-8(b)).

Where this comes from

Keeping a flock happy in Wylie

🌡️ Climate

Humid subtropical (USDA Hardiness Zone 8a)

Wylie, in Collin County, experiences hot, humid summers with temperatures regularly exceeding 95°F and mild, occasionally icy winters. Coops should prioritize shade, cross-ventilation, and access to cool water in summer, along with wind-blocking and minimal supplemental heat needs in the brief winter cold snaps.

🦝 Who's after your hens

RaccoonHawkFoxCoyoteSnakeOpossumSkunk

North Texas backyard flocks commonly face nighttime raids from raccoons and opossums, aerial threats from hawks, and rural-edge pressure from coyotes and foxes near greenbelts and Lake Lavon. Snakes may target eggs and chicks, so secure, buried hardware-cloth fencing and a fully enclosed run are strongly recommended.

🐔 Breeds that do well here

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

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

Questions people ask about Wylie

▸Can I keep chickens in Wylie, Texas?

Yes. Since Ordinance No. 2023-10 took effect, Wylie residents may keep up to 8 backyard hens on residential property after obtaining a fowl permit from the City.

▸Are roosters allowed in Wylie?

No. Wylie's code prohibits keeping 'loud fowl,' which explicitly includes roosters, ducks, turkeys, geese, peacocks, and guineas, within city limits.

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

The coop/enclosure must be at least 25 feet from the nearest inhabited dwelling other than your own, and at least 5 feet from any property line, located in the rear yard and screened from public street view.

▸Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Wylie?

Yes. A fowl permit from the City's animal services department is required before harboring backyard chickens, and the City can revoke it for noncompliance.

▸Does the city ordinance override my HOA's chicken rules?

No. Wylie's ordinance explicitly states it does not prevail over or supersede any applicable homeowners' association policies, so a stricter HOA rule can still prohibit chickens.

City rules change, and this page is a summary rather than legal advice. Please confirm with Wylie or your HOA before you order – and call us on (559) 321-7271 if you'd like a hand. Last checked September 29, 2026.