Chicken Laws by County in Oregon

Raising chickens in Oregon is more than just a trend—it’s a lifestyle. From urban Portland to the open country of eastern Oregon, more and more people are embracing backyard chickens for fresh eggs, sustainability, and a deeper connection to their food. But before you build your coop or buy your hens, here’s one critical fact: Oregon does not have a statewide law governing backyard chickens. Rules are set at the county or municipal level.

This article breaks down chicken laws by county in Oregon, so you can stay legal, avoid neighbor complaints, and raise a healthy, happy flock with confidence.

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Are Backyard Chickens Legal in Oregon?

Direct answer: Yes, backyard chickens are legal in most of Oregon—but local governments (cities, towns, and counties) set the specific regulations regarding flock size, coop placement, permit requirements, and rooster bans.

Common restrictions include:

• Hen limits (typically 3–6 in urban areas)

• Roosters prohibited in most residential zones

• Coop placement setbacks (10–25 feet)

• Permit or license requirements in some municipalities

• Sanitation and nuisance enforcement

Need help planning your coop to meet Oregon’s standards? Try the chicken coop calculator for a fast, customized coop design that meets legal space requirements.

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Chicken Laws by County in Oregon

Here’s a breakdown of chicken-keeping laws across Oregon’s major counties. Local cities and towns may have specific ordinances, so it’s best to contact your local planning or zoning department before starting.

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Multnomah County

Direct answer: Chickens are allowed in most areas of Multnomah County, including Portland, with limits.

Details:

• Portland allows up to 3 hens without a permit; more (up to 8) with a simple application.

• Roosters are banned within city limits.

• Coops must be at least 15 feet from neighboring homes.

• Coops must be clean, dry, and provide adequate space.

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Washington County

Direct answer: Chickens are allowed in most areas, but restrictions vary depending on the city and zoning.

Details:

• Beaverton permits up to 4 hens, no roosters, no permit required.

• Hillsboro allows up to 6 hens with coop setback of 10 feet.

• Tigard and Tualatin require coops to be placed in backyards with limited flock sizes and no roosters.

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Clackamas County

Direct answer: Chickens are generally allowed, even in suburban zones, with limitations.

Details:

• Oregon City allows up to 6 hens; roosters are prohibited in residential zones.

• Milwaukie requires chickens to be kept in enclosed coops and restricts numbers based on lot size.

• Agricultural areas are more flexible, often allowing more hens and roosters.

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Lane County

Direct answer: Chickens are legal throughout Lane County, including Eugene and Springfield, with specific guidelines.

Details:

• Eugene allows up to 6 hens, no roosters, with coops placed 10 feet from property lines.

• Springfield permits chickens with a simple registration, and coop must be in the rear yard.

• Rural areas may allow larger flocks without registration.

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Marion County

Direct answer: Chickens are widely permitted, especially in rural and agricultural zones.

Details:

• Salem allows up to 6 hens, no roosters, with coops 20 feet from property lines.

• Keizer allows chickens with a limit of 5 hens and specific coop placement rules.

• Rural unincorporated areas are chicken-friendly with minimal oversight.

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Jackson County

Direct answer: Backyard chickens are commonly allowed with reasonable regulations.

Details:

• Medford permits up to 6 hens, no roosters, and a permit may be required depending on zoning.

• Ashland allows chickens under strict noise and cleanliness codes.

• Agricultural land typically has no hen limits and allows roosters.

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Deschutes County

Direct answer: Chickens are allowed countywide, with different rules depending on city zoning.

Details:

• Bend allows up to 4 hens, no roosters, and coops must be 15 feet from property lines.

• Redmond permits chickens with setback requirements and clean coop enforcement.

• Outside of city limits, chickens are commonly kept with little regulation.

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Douglas County

Direct answer: Backyard chickens are permitted throughout Douglas County, with limited urban restrictions.

Details:

• Roseburg allows chickens in residential areas with a limit of 5 hens and no roosters.

• Coops must be clean and placed at least 15–25 feet from other homes.

• No permit required in most cases.

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Benton County

Direct answer: Chickens are legal in most areas, especially in residential zones with moderate density.

Details:

• Corvallis allows up to 6 hens, no roosters, and coops must be 10 feet from property lines.

• Philomath permits chickens on lots larger than a certain size.

• County zoning for agricultural land is generally relaxed.

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Yamhill County

Direct answer: Chickens are welcome throughout the county, especially in farming communities.

Details:

• McMinnville permits up to 5 hens, requires coops to be in rear yards and clean.

• Roosters are typically not allowed in residential zones.

• Rural areas allow unrestricted chicken keeping.

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Josephine County

Direct answer: Chickens are widely accepted with few urban limitations.

Details:

• Grants Pass allows hens in residential areas with setback and noise rules.

• No roosters in city zones.

• Agricultural-zoned properties support larger flocks and roosters.

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Common Chicken-Keeping Laws in Oregon

While local ordinances vary, here are the most common regulations:

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Tips to Keep Your Chickens Legal in Oregon

Here’s how to avoid fines and neighbor complaints:

• Start by checking your local city or county code—even within counties, towns can differ.

• Avoid roosters unless you’re in a rural/agricultural zone.

• Respect coop setback and lot size regulations.

• Keep it clean—a dirty coop is the #1 reason chicken owners get cited.

• Use the chicken coop calculator to build a compliant, healthy space for your birds.

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Conclusion: Raising Chickens in Oregon Is Easy—When You Know the Rules

Whether you’re living in downtown Portland or on a few acres in central Oregon, backyard chickens can be part of your lifestyle. But because laws vary by municipality, it’s crucial to research your local rules before setting up a flock.

In general, Oregon supports chicken ownership—as long as you follow reasonable restrictions on flock size, coop placement, and sanitation.

Need help planning your coop? Use the chicken coop calculator to ensure your design meets all legal requirements and keeps your hens happy.

Start smart, build responsibly, and enjoy the fresh, home-laid eggs you’ve been dreaming about.