Introduction to Raising Chickens in Your Backyard

As a leading real estate team in Fort Bend and Harris counties, Hampson Properties understands the growing interest in raising backyard chickens. Our co-founder, Timothy Hampson, is a proud backyard chicken keeper himself. In this comprehensive guide, we'll cover everything you need to know about keeping backyard chickens in the Greater Houston area, including local regulations, potential HOA restrictions, the benefits of agri-hood communities, and the various options available across city, suburban, and county areas.

Navigating Local Regulations for Backyard Chickens

Before you decide to raise chickens in your backyard, it's essential to understand the local regulations in your area. In Houston city limits, for example, residents are allowed to keep chickens as long as they follow certain requirements:

• Chickens must be kept at least 100 feet from any neighboring residence.
• The number of chickens must not exceed the legal limit (currently set at 30).
• Roosters are not allowed.
• Chickens must be confined to the owner's property at all times.

For other cities within Fort Bend and Harris counties, it's crucial to consult with your local government or zoning department to confirm the specific regulations in your area. Be aware that some cities may have more restrictive rules or require permits for backyard chickens.

Suburban Differences in Backyard Chicken Regulations

It's important to note that regulations for keeping backyard chickens can vary greatly among different suburban areas within Fort Bend and Harris counties. Let's explore the contrasting rules for backyard chickens in two popular suburbs: Sugar Land and Katy.

Sugar Land's Fowl Regulations

In Sugar Land, Texas, the local ordinance (Sec. 3-18) dictates the following restrictions for keeping fowl:

• It is unlawful to keep fowl on any property, with the exception of public or private lakes or ponds managed and maintained by an organization, company, or corporation.
• Property owners or organizations responsible for lakes or ponds where fowl are allowed must provide care and maintenance for the fowl and property. They must also remove or control any fowl that become a nuisance to surrounding residents.
• The animal services manager may waive certain requirements of this section for scientific programs, nonprofit organization shows, or humane activities.

As a result, Sugar Land's regulations make it challenging for residents to keep backyard chickens.

Katy's Livestock and Fowl Regulations

On the other hand, Katy, Texas, has more lenient rules for raising and keeping livestock and fowl, as detailed in Ordinance 2623, sec. I (2.101), adopted on March 10, 2014. The local ordinance states that:

• No person or entity shall raise, keep, breed, or maintain livestock and/or fowl on a tract of land smaller than one acre.
• Livestock and fowl must be kept for personal, non-commercial use only.
• Each one-acre tract can house two horses, two cows, two goats, two sheep, 25 rabbits, or 25 chickens or other fowl. All rabbits, chickens, and other fowl must be kept in closed pens, while horses, cows, or sheep must be contained within a fenced area.

Katy's regulations provide more opportunities for residents to keep backyard chickens, as long as they adhere to the rules regarding tract size, personal use, and containment.

HOA Restrictions and Your Realtor's Guidance

If you live in a community governed by a homeowners association (HOA), it's possible that there may be additional restrictions or prohibitions on keeping backyard chickens. If you're in the market for a new home and having the ability to raise backyard chickens is important to you, partnering with a knowledgeable real estate professional like those at Hampson Properties can be invaluable. Our team can help you identify properties that align with your backyard chicken goals and navigate the various HOA rules in different communities.

The Appeal of Agri-Hood Communities

For those who love the idea of backyard chickens but find the process overwhelming, agri-hood communities in Fort Bend County offer an excellent alternative. These communities provide farm amenities, such as fresh eggs from community chickens, goat yoga, and locally grown produce, to their residents.

One such community is Harvest Green, where section 2 model homes are now open. Another recently announced community is Indigo, which will also feature a farm and operate as an agri-hood.

A Variety of Options for Backyard Chicken Enthusiasts

At Hampson Properties, we recognize that each individual's needs and preferences are unique. We work with properties across the spectrum, from city to suburbs to county areas, and can help you find the perfect home that aligns with your backyard chicken aspirations.

Whether you're interested in a suburban neighborhood with lenient chicken regulations, an agri-hood community like Harvest Green or Indigo, or a property in unincorporated county areas with fewer restrictions, our experienced real estate professionals can guide you through the process and find the ideal property for you.

Hampson Properties: Your Guide to Backyard Chickens and Real Estate

The team at Hampson Properties understands the diverse needs of our clients when it comes to backyard chickens and real estate. Our experienced professionals can help you navigate the varying regulations at the county and city levels and find the perfect property to suit your needs. Trust Hampson Properties to guide you through the process of finding a home that supports your backyard chicken dreams, whether it's in a suburban neighborhood, an agri-hood community, or an unincorporated county area.

Interested in Agri-hood Properties For Sale in Harvest Green? Check out these listings: