Can I keep chickens in Bend, OR?
Yes — Bend allows backyard chickens, up to 4 hens with no permit required. Roosters are prohibited. (Bend Development Code BDC 3.6.300(I) (Keeping Farm Animals), verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Yes |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | 4 |
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Permit required | No |
| Minimum lot size | 5,000 sq ft |
| Coop rules | Keeping hens is an accessory use. No more than four rabbits and/or chickens combined (hens only, no roosters) on parcels/lots 5,000 sq ft or greater. Proper sanitation required; feed stored in rodent-proof containers. The code's 25 ft / 15 ft setbacks apply only to structures housing large farm animals, not chicken coops. |
| Code section | Bend Development Code BDC 3.6.300(I) (Keeping Farm Animals) |
Bend allows up to four chickens (hens only, no roosters) - a combined cap with rabbits - as an accessory use on lots of 5,000 sq ft or more. No permit or review required, and no chicken-specific setback (the 25/15 ft setback applies only to large-farm-animal structures).
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Bend?
Yes — chickens are allowed in Bend (Bend Development Code BDC 3.6.300(I) (Keeping Farm Animals)).
How many chickens can I keep in Bend?
Up to 4 hens.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Bend?
No — no permit is required for the base allowance in Bend.
Are roosters allowed in Bend?
No — roosters are prohibited in Bend.
Is there a minimum lot size for chickens in Bend?
Yes — 5,000 sq ft.
What law covers backyard chickens in Bend?
Bend Development Code BDC 3.6.300(I) (Keeping Farm Animals). Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Bend Development Code BDC 3.6.300(I) (Keeping Farm Animals) — read the official code
“No more than four rabbits and/or chickens (hens only, no roosters) are permitted on parcels and lots 5,000 square feet or greater.” source
“I. Keeping Farm Animals... These activities are considered to be accessory uses subject to the following standards. Proper sanitation shall be maintained... Storing all farm animal food in rodent-proof containers.” source
“All structures that house large farm animals shall be located a minimum of 25 feet from all existing adjacent residences and at least 15 feet from any interior or rear lot line.” source
Last verified June 14, 2026. Always confirm with your municipality — HOA rules can be stricter than city code. How we verify →
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