Raising backyard chickens has become increasingly popular in Washington, but before you start your own flock, it’s important to know the local laws. While many cities and counties allow residents to keep chickens, the specific rules—such as how many you can have, whether roosters are allowed, and coop requirements—vary by location. Understanding these regulations will help you avoid fines and ensure a happy, healthy environment for your birds. Here’s what you need to know about keeping chickens in your backyard in Washington with regulations broken down by counties and cities in Washington.
Is it Legal to Have Chickens in Your Backyard in Washington?
Yes, it is generally legal to have backyard chickens in Washington, but regulations vary by city and county. Many areas allow hens but have restrictions on the number you can keep and require proper enclosures. Roosters are often prohibited in residential zones due to noise concerns. To ensure compliance, check with your local municipality for specific rules in your area.
Do You Need A Permit for Chickens in Washington?
Whether you need a permit for backyard chickens in Washington depends on local city and county regulations. Many areas allow a small number of chickens without a permit, but exceeding that limit may require one. For example, some cities allow up to 5–6 chickens without a permit, while others may have lower or higher limits. To avoid permit requirements, it’s best to keep your flock under 4–6 hens and ensure your coop is under 200 square feet, as structures larger than this often require a building permit. Always check with your local zoning office for specific rules in your area.
How Many Chickens Can I Have in Washington?
The number of chickens you can have in Washington depends on your local city and county regulations. Many areas allow 3 to 6 hens without a permit, while some rural zones permit larger flocks. If you have a smaller lot, you may be limited to just a few birds, whereas larger properties may allow one chicken per 1,000 square feet or more. Some cities also restrict roosters due to noise concerns. To find out the exact number allowed in your area, check with your local municipality.
Laws for Keeping Backyard Chickens in Washington By County
Below is a list of the 39 counties in Washington and their backyard chicken requirements. Find your county on the left side to skip to your specific county! Click here to jump to our chicken law by city section.
Does Adams County, WA, Allow Backyard Chickens?
There is not enough information on if backyard chickens are allowed in Adams County, Washington. To get the most accurate information, contact their Building and Planning Department.
Does Asotin County, WA, Allow Backyard Chickens?
It’s unclear whether backyard chickens are permitted in Asotin County, Washington. Some areas allow backyard chickens, while others don’t have clear regulations. For the most accurate details, reach out to the Building and Planning Department.
Does Benton County, WA, Allow Backyard Chickens?
It’s uncertain if backyard chickens are allowed in Benton County, Washington. The City of West Richland has regulations on how many chickens are allowed on property. For the most accurate information, contact the county’s Planning Division.
Does Chelan County, WA, Allow Backyard Chickens?
Yes! Backyard chickens are allowed in Chelan County, but there are restrictions on roosters based on property size. For example, properties under half an acre cannot have roosters, while those with at least half an acre can have one. Up to two roosters are allowed per acre on five acres or more. For more information, visit Community Development.
Does Clallam County, WA, Allow Backyard Chickens?
It’s unclear whether backyard chickens are allowed in Clallam County, Washington. For the most accurate information, contact the Planning Division.
Does Clark County, WA, Allow Backyard Chickens?
Yes, backyard chickens are allowed in Clark County, but roosters are not allowed in the City of Vancouver. For specific information, reach out to their Community Development.
Does Columbia County, WA, Allow Backyard Chickens?
The regulations on backyard chickens in Columbia County, Washington, are not clearly defined. To get the most accurate details, it’s best to contact the Planning and Building Department.
Does Cowlitz County, WA, Allow Backyard Chickens?
It’s uncertain if Cowlitz County, Washington, permits backyard chickens. For the most accurate information, reach out to the Building and Planning Department.
Does Douglas County, WA, Allow Backyard Chickens?
Yes, backyard chickens are allowed in Douglas County, but regulations are based on your location. In most cases, the county allows four female chickens on a property. For more information, visit the county’s Planning Commission.
Does Ferry County, WA, Allow Backyard Chickens?
The rules regarding backyard chickens in Ferry County, Washington, are unclear. For the most accurate information, contact the Planning Department.
Does Franklin County, WA, Allow Backyard Chickens?
Whether backyard chickens are allowed in Franklin County, Washington, is unclear. For the most accurate information, contact the Planning and Building Department.
Does Garfield County, WA, Allow Backyard Chickens?
Yes, chickens are allowed in Garfield County, but there are regulations on their location and noise levels. For more information, reach out to the county’s Building and Planning Department.
Does Grant County, WA, Allow Backyard Chickens?
It’s uncertain if backyard chickens are permitted in Grant County, Washington. For the most accurate information, contact the Planning Department.
Does Grays Harbor County, WA, Allow Backyard Chickens?
The regulations on backyard chickens in Grays Harbor County, Washington, are unclear. For the most accurate details, contact the Planning and Building Division.
Does Island County, WA, Allow Backyard Chickens?
It’s unclear whether backyard chickens are allowed in Island County, Washington. For the most accurate information, contact Island County’s Planning and Community Development.
Does Jefferson County, WA, Allow Backyard Chickens?
Yes, Jefferson County allows up to four hens! A miscellaneous permit is required. For the next steps, check out their Planning Commission website.
Does King County, WA, Allow Backyard Chickens?
Yes, chickens are allowed in King County, but it depends on the size of your property. For the most accurate information, reach out to the Permits and Building Services.
Does Kitsap County, WA, Allow Backyard Chickens?
Yes, backyard chickens are allowed in Kitsap County, but there are restrictions in some areas. For example, the City of Bremerton requires a backyard chicken hen license and allows up to four hens. For more information, contact the county’s Department of Community Development.
Does Kittitas County, WA, Allow Backyard Chickens?
Yes, backyard chickens are allowed in Kittitas County under a permit. A maximum of four chickens are allowed and must live in a coop. Roosters over the age of four months are not allowed. Regular cleaning is mandatory. For more information, contact the county’s Planning Commission.
Does Klickitat County, WA, Allow Backyard Chickens?
The regulations on backyard chickens in Klickitat County, Washington, are unclear. For the most accurate details, contact the Building and Planning Department.
Does Lewis County, WA, Allow Backyard Chickens?
Backyard chickens are allowed in Lewis County, Washington, but the specific number permitted is unclear. For accurate details, contact Community Development.
Does Lincoln County, WA, Allow Backyard Chickens?
It’s unclear if backyard chickens are allowed in Lincoln County, Washington, but specific regulations are only outlined for Davenport. For the most accurate information, contact the Building and Land Services.
Does Mason County, WA, Allow Backyard Chickens?
Backyard chickens may be allowed in parts of Mason Country, but specific regulations are only outlined for Shelton. For the most accurate details, contact the Community Development.
Does Okanogan County, WA, Allow Backyard Chickens?
Yes, backyard chickens are allowed in Okanogan Country. It is not specified how many chickens are allowed, but they must be kept in a coop at least 50 feet from neighboring residences unless written permission is granted by the neighbor to be closer. Visit the county’s Planning Department.
Does Pacific County, WA, Allow Backyard Chickens?
Yes! Chickens are allowed in Pacific County. Up to six hens are allowed, and roosters are prohibited. Advise that chickens are only allowed for personal use, and commercial use, such as selling chicken eggs, is not allowed. For more information, contact the Planning Department.
Does Pend Oreille County, WA, Allow Backyard Chickens?
The rules surrounding backyard chickens in Pend Oreille County, Washington, are not clear. For the most accurate details, contact the county’s Community Development.
Does Pierce County, WA, Allow Backyard Chickens?
Yes! Chickens are allowed in Pierce County but with restrictions. For more information, reach out to the county’s Development Center.
Does San Juan County, WA, Allow Backyard Chickens?
Yes, San Juan County allows chickens, but they must be kept in a coop. To get more information, contact the Community Development.
Does Skagit County, WA, Allow Backyard Chickens?
It’s not clear whether backyard chickens are permitted in Skagit County, Washington. For accurate information, it’s best to reach out to Planning and Development Services.
Does Skamania County, WA, Allow Backyard Chickens?
The rules regarding backyard chickens in Skamania County, Washington, are unclear. For the most accurate information, contact the county’s Planning Division.
Does Snohomish County, WA, Allow Backyard Chickens?
Yes, backyard chickens are allowed in Snohomish County as long as they are kept in coops. The coop must be at least 10 feet from property lines. For more information, check out the county’s Planning Department.
Does Spokane County, WA, Allow Backyard Chickens?
Yes! Chickens are permitted in Spoke County, but there are specific guidelines to follow. They are allowed as an accessory for use in a primary residence, while roosters are prohibited. Coops must be placed at least five feet from the property line and 25 feet from neighboring properties. Additionally, you can have one chicken per 1,000 square feet of land. For further details, reach out to the county’s Building and Planning Department.
Does Stevens County, WA, Allow Backyard Chickens?
Yes, Stevens County allows backyard chickens. A maximum of ten chickens are allowed on a property and must be in an enclosed coop. Roosters are not allowed. For more information, contact the county’s Building Division.
Does Thurston County, WA, Allow Backyard Chickens?
Yes! Backyard chickens are allowed in Thurston County. Five female chickens are allowed in lots smaller than one-quarter acre, and twenty female chickens for up to one acre. Roosters are allowed if they are older than twelve weeks old. For information on other requirements, check out the county’s Community Development.
Does Wahkiakum County, WA, Allow Backyard Chickens?
It’s uncertain if backyard chickens are allowed in Wahkiakum County, Washington. For the most accurate information, contact the Building and Planning Department.
Does Walla Walla County, WA, Allow Backyard Chickens?
Yes, chickens are allowed in Walla Walla County. There can not be more than ten on a property, and they must be housed in a coop. Roosters are not allowed. For information, visit the county’s Planning & Zoning Department.
Does Whatcom County, WA, Allow Backyard Chickens?
Whatcom County has not stated if backyard chickens are allowed. However, many cities within the county, such as Bellingham and Blaine, allow chickens. For more information, contact the county’s Planning & Development Services.
Does Whitman County, WA, Allow Backyard Chickens?
As of now, there are no specific regulations for backyard chickens in Whitman County. Contact the county’s Building and Development Division for more information.
Does Yakima County, WA, Allow Backyard Chickens?
Yes, chickens are allowed in Yakima. You can have up to four hens, and roosters are not allowed. Chickens must stay in the backyard, and chicken coop requirements are 10 feet from the property line and 5 feet from other structures. For more information, contact the county’s Planning Division.
Chicken Laws For Cities in Washington
Below are a few cities in Washington with their backyard chicken regulations. Click here to go up to our chicken law by county section.
Can I Have Chickens In Seattle, WA?
Yes, the City of Seattle permits up to eight hens and prohibits roosters. The city’s regulations can be found here. Additionally, chicken coops must be located at least 10 feet away from any dwelling unit.
Can I Have Chickens In Spokane, WA?
Yes, one chicken is allowed per 1,000 square feet of lot size in Spokane, Washington. For every 2,500 square feet, you can have one small livestock animal, meaning a 5,000-square-foot lot allows for five chickens. Roosters are only permitted in the Residential Agricultural zone.
Can I Have Chickens In Tacoma, WA?
Yes, backyard chickens are allowed in Tacoma, Washington! Residents are permitted up to six chickens unless they have written consent to keep more. The chickens must be housed in a coop that is at least 12 feet away from the nearest dwelling, placed behind the front wall of the main building on the property, and be less than 200 square feet in size (so a building permit is not required). Additionally, the coop must be located outside of the required side yard. Reach out to their Planning and Development Services for more information.
Can I Have Chickens In Vancouver, WA?
Yes! The City of Vancouver allows backyard chickens with no minimum lot size, but roosters are prohibited. Residents may keep up to three hens, and chickens must be confined to the property with a backyard fence or run area. For more information, reach out to their Planning, Development, and Zoning Department.
Can I Have Chickens In Bellevue, WA?
Yes, Bellevue, Washington, allows up to six chickens, with coops required to be at least 15 feet from the property line. Roosters are generally prohibited due to noise concerns. For more information, contact their Planning and Development Department.
Can I Have Chickens In Kent, WA?
Yes, you may keep up to three chickens in Kent County, Washington, if your lot is at least 5,000 square feet. Roosters are not recommended due to the city’s noise ordinance. The chicken coop must be kept at least 10 feet from your property line. Reach out to the city’s City Planning for more information.
Can I Have Chickens In Everett, WA?
Yes, The City of Everett, Washington, allows residents to keep up to five chickens without a permit, while six or more chickens require approval. Roosters are strictly prohibited in the city. For more information, contact Animal Services.
Other FAQs About Keeping Backyard Chickens in WA
Can I Let My Chickens Free-Range in My Backyard?
In Washington, whether you can let your chickens free-range in your backyard depends on local city and county regulations. Many areas require chickens to be kept within a coop or enclosed run to prevent them from wandering onto neighboring properties. Some cities, like Vancouver and Everett, specifically state that chickens must be confined. It’s best to check with your local municipality to confirm the rules for your specific location.
Can I Have A Rooster In My Backyard in Washington?
In most cases, roosters are not allowed in backyard settings across Washington due to noise concerns. Many cities, including Seattle, Everett, and Vancouver, have ordinances that prohibit roosters in residential areas. However, some rural areas or properties zoned for agriculture may permit them, so it’s best to check with your local municipality for specific regulations.
Can I Sell My Chicken Eggs in Washington?
Selling chicken eggs in Washington requires a Washington State Egg Handler/Dealer License. This license is necessary for anyone producing, handling, or selling eggs to wholesalers, retailers, food service providers, or directly to consumers. All eggs sold in the state must be under this license, which can be obtained through the Department of Revenue. For more details, visit their website.
Ready to Start Your Backyard Chicken-Keeping Journey?
Many counties and cities in Washington have regulations requiring chickens to be kept in coops. The Hen House Collection offers a wide range of chicken coop sizes and styles, featuring predator-proof doors, ventilation systems, easy cleaning options, and more to help ensure you meet local guidelines. If your area has specific requirements, we can work with you to create a custom coop that fits all the rules.
New to backyard chicken keeping? The Hen House Collection is here to provide all the resources you need to start your journey. Explore our raising backyard chickens guides, from selecting the best egg-laying breeds to choosing the perfect size coop for your chickens.
