Chicken Laws by County in Washington State

Backyard chicken keeping is booming in Washington state, and it’s not just in rural areas anymore. From Seattle suburbs to Eastern Washington towns, more people are raising chickens for eggs, sustainability, and a connection to simpler living. But before you buy your first chick, there’s something important to know:

Chicken laws in Washington vary county by county—and often city by city.

This guide breaks down chicken ordinances across key counties in Washington so you can raise your flock legally, safely, and without stress.

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Are Chickens Legal in Washington State?

Yes, raising chickens is legal in most parts of Washington—but each county and city sets its own rules. Local ordinances regulate:

• How many chickens you can keep

• Whether roosters are allowed

• Coop placement and size

• Noise and sanitation

• Permit or registration requirements

Some counties are more permissive than others, and urban areas usually have stricter rules. Below is a county-by-county guide to help you understand what’s allowed where you live.

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King County (Seattle, Bellevue, Kent)

Are chickens allowed in King County?
Yes—but rules depend on the city.

Seattle:

• Up to 8 chickens allowed per residential lot

• Roosters are not allowed

• Coops must be at least 10 feet from any neighboring residence

• No permit required

• Selling eggs or meat not allowed in residential zones

Bellevue:

• Chickens allowed in most residential zones

• Coop must be at least 15 feet from property lines

• 6-hen limit for small lots

• No roosters

Kent:

• Permits backyard chickens in residential and agricultural zones

• No roosters

• 6-hen limit in residential areas

• Coop must be predator-proof and odor-free

Unincorporated King County allows chickens too, with similar limits, but zoning laws must be verified per parcel.

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Pierce County (Tacoma, Puyallup)

Can you keep chickens in Pierce County?
Yes—with some limitations.

Tacoma:

• Up to 6 hens on single-family lots

• Roosters are prohibited

• Coops must be kept clean and odor-free

• Chickens must be kept in the backyard and fenced in

Puyallup:

• Allows chickens in most residential areas

• Up to 6 hens, no roosters

• Coops must meet minimum distance requirements from structures and fences

Unincorporated Pierce County generally allows more flexibility, particularly in rural and R10+ zones.

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Snohomish County (Everett, Lynnwood)

Are chickens allowed in Snohomish County?
Yes, and many towns are backyard chicken-friendly.

Everett:

• Allows up to 6 hens

• Roosters are not allowed

• No permit required

• Coop must be in the backyard and not create a nuisance

Lynnwood:

• Chickens allowed with limit of 5 hens

• Coops must be placed at least 20 feet from property lines

• Roosters prohibited

In rural Snohomish County, chicken keeping is common and usually unrestricted in agricultural and R5 zones.

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Spokane County (Spokane, Spokane Valley)

Can you raise chickens in Spokane County?
Yes—with clear guidelines.

Spokane:

• Up to 3 hens allowed on lots under 10,000 sq ft

• Up to 5 hens on larger lots

• Roosters are not allowed in city limits

• Chickens must be confined and kept at least 25 feet from neighboring homes

Spokane Valley:

• Similar rules, with 5-hen limit

• No roosters

• Coop must meet sanitation and setback standards

In unincorporated Spokane County, zoning regulations vary—agricultural zones allow larger flocks and roosters.

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Clark County (Vancouver, Camas)

What are the chicken laws in Clark County?
Fairly chicken-friendly—especially in rural areas.

Vancouver:

• Chickens allowed in residential zones

• Up to 6 hens, no roosters

• Coop must be in the backyard and meet building code setbacks

Camas:

• Similar rules: 4–6 hens allowed depending on lot size

• Roosters prohibited

• Coop must be kept clean and predator-resistant

Clark County’s unincorporated areas are more relaxed, especially for 1-acre+ lots zoned rural residential or agricultural.

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Thurston County (Olympia, Lacey)

Is backyard chicken keeping allowed in Thurston County?
Yes—and it’s becoming increasingly popular.

Olympia:

• Up to 6 hens allowed

• No roosters

• Coop must be located in the backyard and 10+ feet from structures

• Coop must be cleaned regularly to avoid odor and pests

Lacey:

• Chickens allowed in residential zones

• Limit: 6 hens, no roosters

• Coop setback must be 20 feet or more from neighboring homes

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Kitsap County (Bremerton, Poulsbo)

Can you have chickens in Kitsap County?
Yes—and many residents already do.

Bremerton:

• Permits up to 5 hens

• Roosters prohibited

• Chickens must be kept in a coop/run and not free-roaming

Poulsbo:

• Backyard chickens allowed in most residential zones

• Limit: 4–6 hens

• Coop must meet setback requirements

Rural areas of Kitsap County allow larger flocks and roosters, especially on properties zoned for agriculture.

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Whatcom County (Bellingham)

Is chicken keeping legal in Whatcom County?
Yes, very popular and legally supported.

Bellingham:

• Chickens are allowed in most residential zones

• Up to 6 hens

• Roosters are not allowed

• Coop must be kept clean and enclosed

Rural areas of Whatcom County are ideal for small farms and chicken enthusiasts—with fewer restrictions and no hen limits on agricultural parcels.

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Common Chicken Rules Across Washington Counties

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Coop Size and Placement Requirements in Washington

Regardless of where you live in the state, coop requirements usually include:

• 3–4 sq ft per chicken inside the coop

• 8–10 sq ft per chicken in the outdoor run

• Predator-proof fencing (especially for raccoons, coyotes, and hawks)

• Coop must be clean, dry, and ventilated

• Most cities require 10–25 foot setbacks from neighboring homes or property lines

To plan the perfect, legal setup, use the chicken coop calculator—a fast and reliable way to determine the right coop size for your flock.

Whether you’re raising 3 hens or 15, the chicken coop calculator helps you stay compliant and keep your flock comfortable.

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Tips for Raising Legal Backyard Chickens in Washington

To raise chickens the right way:

• Check your local zoning laws and HOA rules first

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

• Keep your coop clean and quiet

• Secure your enclosure to prevent escapes and protect your birds

• Respect neighbor boundaries and keep odor, noise, and mess under control

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Conclusion: Raise Chickens Legally and Happily in Washington State

Washington is a great place for backyard chicken keeping—but laws vary by city and county. Whether you’re in Seattle, Spokane, or a small town in between, start by learning your local ordinances.

When you’re ready to build or expand your coop, use the chicken coop calculator to calculate how much coop space your chicken needs—so you meet the law and give your hens a happy home.

With the right planning and knowledge, you’ll be raising eggs, improving sustainability, and enjoying your feathered companions the legal way—anywhere in the Evergreen State.