Can I keep chickens in Kent, WA?
Yes — Kent allows backyard chickens, up to 3 hens with no permit required. Coops must be at least 10 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (KCC 15.08.070; KCC 8.03.070(3), verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Yes |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | 3 |
| Permit required | No |
| Coop setback | 10 ft |
| Minimum lot size | 5,000 sq ft |
| Coop rules | Coop or accessory structure housing domesticated fowl may not be closer than 10 ft from any other residential lot. |
| Code section | KCC 15.08.070; KCC 8.03.070(3) |
Kent allows up to 3 domesticated fowl on lots of at least 5,000 sq ft, plus 1 additional fowl per 1,000 sq ft over that; coop must be kept 10 ft from the property line. No keeping permit. Roosters are not banned by code, but crowing audible to neighbors violates the noise ordinance. Confirmed via the City of Kent official FAQ.
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Get the media kit →Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Kent?
Yes — chickens are allowed in Kent (KCC 15.08.070; KCC 8.03.070(3)).
How many chickens can I keep in Kent?
Up to 3 hens. 3 hens on lots of 5,000+ sq ft, +1 per 1,000 sq ft above 5,000.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Kent?
No — no permit is required for the base allowance in Kent.
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in Kent?
10 feet minimum. Coop or accessory structure housing domesticated fowl may not be closer than 10 ft from any other residential lot.
Is there a minimum lot size for chickens in Kent?
Yes — 5,000 sq ft.
What law covers backyard chickens in Kent?
KCC 15.08.070; KCC 8.03.070(3). Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
KCC 15.08.070; KCC 8.03.070(3) — read the official code
“Maintaining more than three domesticated fowl on lots of less than 5,000 square feet, or maintaining any domesticated fowl in violation of KCC 15.08.070 [is a public nuisance].” source
“Up to three (3) domesticated fowl may be kept on any lot that is at least five thousand (5,000) square feet.” source
“You may keep up to three if your lot is at least 5,000 square feet ... one additional domesticated fowl for every additional 1,000 square feet of lot area, over the 5,000. The coop needs to be kept 10 feet from your property line.” source
“Roosters are not regulated separately by code, but they are best avoided. If your neighbors can hear them crow, you are committing a violation of the city noise ordinance.” source
Last verified June 11, 2026. Always confirm with your municipality — HOA rules can be stricter than city code.
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