Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Animal Control topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council discusses potential changes to city chicken regulations; will await state legislature
Summary
Council members discussed whether to revise Terrell’s ordinance limiting poultry to four birds per residential lot. Several council members said they favor permitting up to six hens without roosters and asked staff to monitor Senate Bill 141 in the Texas Legislature before drafting local amendments.
The council discussed whether to change municipal rules governing backyard poultry, including a city ordinance that currently permits up to four poultry (or one litter of small fur‑bearing animals) in residential areas.
Assistant Director Raylyn Smith briefed council on other Texas cities’ approaches and reported public inquiries and a proposed state bill (Senate Bill 141) that would preempt local regulation and set statewide standards for poultry ownership. Councilmember Donna Renee Anderson said she supports allowing six hens without roosters and noted rising interest in home food production; other council members asked staff to research peer cities’ ordinances and the pending state legislation.
Staff recommended waiting until the legislative session concludes to see whether a statewide law is adopted; the council agreed and asked staff to prepare an ordinance draft and comparative analysis of other city rules should state action fail or adopt a standard that requires city implementation.
No ordinance change was adopted at the April 20 meeting; staff will return with draft language and an analysis after the legislative session.
