Keeping livestock – such as chickens, bees, and goats – is allowed in most residential areas in Austin. These animals offer many benefits for your home that include reducing food and yard waste, providing organic eggs or honey, minimizing backyard insects and pests, and producing fertilizer for your garden.
While there are many benefits to keeping livestock, there are certain restrictions you need to be aware of. The Austin City Code has limits on how many animals may be kept on a property, as well as where enclosures must be located. Below are some general guidelines to help you understand Austin’s rules and regulations.
General Guidelines
- Animals are not allowed to roam freely outside the owner’s property.
- Livestock cannot make excessive noise and must be kept clean and healthy with adequate shelter.
- Slaughtering, processing, and composting of livestock is not allowed in residential areas.
![]() |
Bees
|
![]() |
Chickens
|
![]() |
Livestock(Horses, cows, pigs, sheeps, and goats)
|
![]() |
Small Animals(Rabbits, gerbils, guinea pigs, etc.)
|
See Title 3 – Animal regulation of the City of Austin Codes and Ordinances for complete information.
Have questions? Contact us!