Certain animal-related activities are allowed on a property with a valid, annual permit from Carrollton Animal Services. This page explains the requirements for chicken coop permits and beekeeping permits and how to apply. 

Permit Application Process

Before a permit can be issued, the applicant must:

1. Submit an application

Complete the required permit application for the animal permit being requested.

2. Provide a property drawing

Include a drawing or site plan showing:

• The property lines;
• The home and any other structures on the property;
• The proposed location of the chicken coop or beehive(s); and
• The distance from the coop or hive(s) to nearby property lines, homes, or businesses.

This drawing is necessary so Animal Services can verify that the proposed location meets ordinance requirements prior to construction or installation.

3. Pay the permit fee

• Chicken Coop Permit: $20 annually
• Beekeeping Permit: $20 annually

4. Schedule an inspection

Once the application, drawing, and fee are submitted, an Animal Services Officer will contact the application to schedule an inspection of the property.

5. Complete the inspection

The officer will inspect the property, including the coop or beehive(s), to confirm compliance with city requirements.

Any deficiencies observed during the inspection will be identified on the inspection report, and a reasonable amount of time will be provided to make the necessary corrections.

6. Permit issuance

If the property and setup comply with the ordinance, a permit, valid for one year, may be issued. 

Chicken Coop Permits

Residents may keep up to six chickens on a residential or non-residential lot within the city only if all permit requirements are met.

 $20 per year

To qualify for a chicken coop permit:

• You must obtain an annual permit approved by Carrollton Animal Services.
• Roosters are not allowed.
• Chickens must be kept in a chicken coop and may not be allowed to fly or roam freely on the property.
• The chicken coop:
  • May not exceed 80 square feet;
  • May not be taller than 8 feet; and
  • Must be located within its own fenced area, separate from perimeter fencing.
• The chicken coop must be located:
  • At least 25 feet from any dwelling or business owned or occupied by someone other than the chicken coop owner; and
  • At least 5 feet from any property line.
• Chicken waste must be collected from the coop at least once every 48 hours and placed in an approved waste container.
• Chickens and eggs may not be sold from the property.
• Processing deceased chickens may not occur in any area visible from a public right-of-way.

In Simple Terms

If you want to keep chickens in the city, you need an annual permit, a properly placed coop, and a clean enclosure. Chickens cannot roam loose, roosters are not allowed, and the setup must be located far enough away from neighboring homes, businesses, and property lines.

 Chicken Permit Application

 Keeping Chickens FAQs

 Resources:

• University of Florida Backyard Chickens Class
• Chickenlandia Backyard Chickens 101
• Penn State Raising Poultry in Your Backyard Class
• Udemy Backyard Chickens Class
• USDA Defend the Flock Program

Honeybees may be kept within the city only if all permit requirements are met.

Beekeeping Permit Fee

$20 per year

Basic Requirements

To qualify for a beekeeping permit:

• You must obtain an annual permit approved by Carrollton Animal Services.
• Hives must be located at least 10 feet from any property line.
• Hives must be surrounded by barriers that:
  • Are placed at least 10 feet from the hive; and
  • Are at least 8 feet tall so that the bees’ flight path is directed upward as they leave the hive.
• No more than 3 hives may be kept on a city lot.
• There must be an adequate water source within 20 feet of all hives.
• One nucleus hive may be kept for every two colonies, but:
  • It may not exceed one ten-frame hive body; and
  • It must be disposed of within 60 days after acquisition.
• Each hive must be re-queened at least once every 24 months.
• The owner must notify the designated code official in writing of the location and number of hives.
• The owner must keep:
  • Purchase receipts; and
  • Written records showing the exact dates each hive was re-queened for at least 2 years.

In Simple Terms

If you want to keep honeybees in the city, you need an annual permit, properly placed hives, barriers to direct bee traffic upward, a nearby water source, and records showing you are maintaining the hives as required. 

Applicants and permit holders must allow Carrollton Animal Services to inspect the property, animals, hives, coops, facilities, or related equipment during reasonable hours when requested.

In Simple Terms

 If you have a chicken or beekeeping permit, you must allow requested inspections. Refusing to allow an inspection can be a violation.

 When a Permit May Be Denied or Revoked

A chicken coop or beekeeping permit may be denied or revoked if:

• The applicant or permit holder is found guilty in Municipal Court of violating the applicable ordinance requirements; or
• The permit holder refuses to allow requested inspections during reasonable hours.

In Simple Terms

A permit is not guaranteed. It can be denied or taken away if the rules are violated or if Carrollton Animal Services is not allowed to inspect the property and set up when required. 

If a permit is denied or revoked, the applicant or permit holder has the right to appeal

How Appeals Work

• The appeal must be made in writing to the Animal Services Manager.
• It must be submitted within 15 calendar days after receiving written notice of the denial or revocation.
• If no appeal is submitted within that 15-day period, the denial or revocation becomes final.
• Once an appeal is received, it will be placed on the agenda for the next scheduled meeting of the Animal Shelter Advisory Committee.
• The Committee will hold a hearing and decide the outcome.
• The Committee’s decision is final.

A person whose permit is denied or revoked may apply again for a new permit at any time.

If your permit is denied or revoked, you have 15 days to submit a written appeal. The Animal Shelter Advisory Committee will hear the appeal and make the final decision. Even if a permit is denied or revoked, you may apply again later.

Before submitting your application, make sure:

• Your drawing clearly shows where the coop or hive(s) will be placed;
• The location meets all spacing requirements;
• The setup is complete or close to complete for inspection;
• You have included the correct permit fee; and
• You are prepared to schedule an inspection with Carrollton Animal Services.

Do I need a permit before getting chickens or bees? 

Yes. You must have an approved permit before keeping chickens or honeybees.

What happens if my setup doesn’t pass inspection?

You’ll be informed of what needs to be corrected. Once fixed, you can proceed toward approval.

What if I have chickens or bees without a permit?

Keeping chickens or honeybees without a required permit is a violation of city ordinance.

If you are found to be in violation:

• You will be required to apply for the appropriate permit;
• An additional $20 fee will be added at the time of application; and
• You will need to bring your property into compliance with all requirements.

If the violation continues or is not corrected:

• Court citations may be issued, and
• Additional penalties may apply for each day the violation exists.

Can I keep more than 6 chickens or 3 hives?

No. These are the maximum limits allowed under city ordinance. 

Can I sell eggs or chickens from my property?

No, selling eggs or chickens from your property is not allowed.

Yes. Selling honey is not prohibited with a valid beekeeping permit.

However, you should contact the City’s Environmental Quality Division before selling to ensure you comply with all  applicable regulations.

• Environmental Quality Division: 972-466-5727

They can help confirm any requirements related to food safety, labeling, or other applicable city ordinances.

What if my permit is denied?

You can appeal within 15 days or correct the issue and apply again.

How detailed does my property drawing need to be?

It does not need to be professional, just clear enough to show distances and placement.