Can I keep chickens in Sammamish, WA?
Yes, with conditions — Sammamish allows chickens only in certain zones or lot configurations. Coops must be at least 10 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (SDC 21.05.020.B, verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Conditional (zone / lot rules) |
|---|---|
| Permit required | No |
| Coop setback | 10 ft |
| Coop rules | All small animals confined in building/pen/aviary; covered animal structures at least 10 ft from any property line; poultry limited to 1 bird per 1 sq ft of housing structure, structure max 2,000 sq ft. |
| Code section | SDC 21.05.020.B |
Sammamish regulates chickens as generic small animals kept outdoors: 3 per household on lots under 20,000 sq ft, 5 on 20,000-35,000 sq ft, +2 per additional acre, max 20; more than 3 requires a minimum half-acre site under the accessory-use provision. No hen-specific count. Note: Title 21A cited by most secondary sources was repealed in 2021 - current rules in SDC 21.05.020.
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Get the media kit →Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Sammamish?
Yes, with conditions — Sammamish allows chickens only in certain zones or situations (SDC 21.05.020.B).
How many chickens can I keep in Sammamish?
It depends on your lot. Tiered by lot size: 3 up to 20,000 sq ft; 5 up to 35,000 sq ft. Rules vary by zoning district — check the full summary for your zone.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Sammamish?
No — no permit is required for the base allowance in Sammamish.
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in Sammamish?
10 feet minimum. All small animals confined in building/pen/aviary; covered animal structures at least 10 ft from any property line; poultry limited to 1 bird per 1 sq ft of housing structure, structure max 2,000 sq ft.
What law covers backyard chickens in Sammamish?
SDC 21.05.020.B. Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
SDC 21.05.020.B — read the official code
“Other small animals kept outside, including adult cats and dogs, shall be limited to three per household on lots of less than 20,000 square feet, five per household on lots of 20,000 to 35,000 square feet, with an additional two per acre of site area over 35,000 square feet up to a maximum of 20” source
“Any covered structure used to house or contain such animals shall maintain a distance of not less than 10 feet to any property line” source
Last verified June 11, 2026. Always confirm with your municipality — HOA rules can be stricter than city code.
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