How Texas House Bill 2013 Could Redefine HOA Rules on Backyard Chickens
A proposed piece of legislation, Texas House Bill 2013 (HB 2013), could soon change how property owners' associations (POAs) across Texas regulate backyard chickens, stirring both hope and concern among homeowners and HOA leaders alike.
HB 2013, introduced by Representative Cecil Bell of Montgomery, amends Section 202.007(a) of the Texas Property Code to prevent HOAs from enforcing covenants that prohibit or restrict a homeowner from keeping chickens — if local municipal ordinances already allow chickens. The bill aligns chicken-keeping rights with sustainable practices previously protected under Texas law, such as rainwater harvesting, drought-resistant landscaping, and solid-waste composting.
Scheduled for a vote in the Texas House on April 29, 2025, HB 2013 has sparked intense debate among stakeholders in HOA-governed neighborhoods.
What HB 2013 Means for Homeowners
Should HB 2013 become law, HOAs would no longer be able to impose blanket bans on backyard chickens in municipalities where local ordinances allow poultry keeping. This would significantly expand homeowners' rights in neighborhoods governed by property owners' associations.
However, the bill does not leave HOAs entirely powerless. Associations could still establish reasonable regulations regarding the care, number, noise levels and location of chickens to protect neighborhood standards — for instance, by setting coop setback requirements or limiting the number of hens permitted.
Advocates argue that this bill supports individual property rights and promotes sustainable living by enabling homeowners to produce their own food sources. They also cite benefits such as improved food security, natural waste composting, and educational opportunities for families.
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Concerns from HOA Leaders and TLAC
While proponents view HB 2013 as a win for homeowner freedom, organizations like the Community Associations Institute Texas Legislative Action Committee (CAI TLAC) have voiced strong opposition.
In a statement issued April 8, 2025, TLAC emphasized concerns that HB 2013 "would negatively impact associations" by limiting their ability to self-govern.
Key concerns include:
- Erosion of Local Governance: Restricting Boards' ability to adopt and enforce rules tailored to their specific communities.
- Safety Risks: Potential for the infiltration of predatory animals into dense residential neighborhoods, posing hazards to small pets and residents.
- Inconsistent Application: Because lot sizes vary widely across single-family homes and townhomes, a one-size-fits-all rule could create unforeseen challenges.
- Potentially Lowering Home Values: Some real estate experts warn that visible backyard livestock could make properties less attractive to potential buyers. Concerns about noise, odors, and neighborhood aesthetics could deter homebuyers, leading to a potential decrease in home values in affected communities.
TLAC encouraged community association stakeholders to contact their state representative regarding their position on the bill, stressing that "your voice matters" in preserving the integrity of associations statewide.
Benefits of Keeping Backyard Chickens
In addition to concerns, many advocates cite a range of benefits associated with backyard chickens:
- Food Security: Backyard chickens can provide a steady supply of fresh eggs, which can help buffer families against rising grocery costs.
- Education and Agriculture Support: Organizations like the Texas FFA Association emphasize that raising chickens teaches youth responsibility, animal care, and agricultural science, contributing to the development of future leaders in farming and sustainability. Backyard poultry initiatives can align with youth agricultural programs and foster valuable life skills.
- Environmental Benefits: Chickens contribute to natural composting by eating food scraps and producing manure that can enhance soil health.
According to data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the price of eggs surged by more than 70% between 2021 and 2023, driven largely by supply chain disruptions, increased feed costs, and an outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza. While prices have since moderated, eggs remain more expensive than pre-pandemic levels, making backyard egg production an attractive option for some households.
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Broader Context: A Trend Toward Property Rights
HB 2013 continues a legislative trend in Texas aiming to balance the power of HOAs with individual homeowners' rights. Previous laws already prevent HOAs from banning solar panels, rainwater harvesting, and other eco-friendly practices.
If passed, the new law would take effect on September 1, 2025.
What Homeowners Should Know
Homeowners living in HOA-governed neighborhoods should closely monitor the bill's progress. Those interested in raising chickens would still need to ensure their local city ordinances permit poultry before proceeding, even if HOA restrictions are lifted. Meanwhile, residents concerned about neighborhood impacts should engage with their HOA Boards to discuss potential new rules and reasonable guidelines.
Homeowners wishing to voice their support or opposition to HB 2013 can contact their state representative through the official Texas House portal at house.texas.gov/help.
Regardless of where one stands, HB 2013 is poised to have a lasting impact on communities throughout Texas, blending the traditions of suburban living with modern movements toward self-sufficiency and sustainability.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
