Can I keep chickens in Seattle, WA?
Yes — Seattle allows backyard chickens, up to 8 hens with no permit required. Roosters are prohibited, and coops must be at least 10 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (SMC 23.42.052, verified July 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Yes |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | 8 |
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Permit required | No |
| Coop setback | 10 ft |
| Coop rules | Structures housing domestic fowl must be at least 10 ft from any residential structure on an adjacent lot. |
| Code section | SMC 23.42.052 |
Seattle permits keeping domestic fowl outright in all zones as an accessory use under SMC 23.42.052: up to 8 fowl per lot with no permit, plus 1 more per 1,000 sq ft over 10,000 sq ft if the lot includes a community garden or urban farm. Roosters are prohibited, and fowl structures must be 10 ft from dwellings on adjacent lots.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Seattle?
Yes — chickens are allowed in Seattle (SMC 23.42.052).
How many chickens can I keep in Seattle?
Up to 8 hens.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Seattle?
No — no permit is required for the base allowance in Seattle.
Are roosters allowed in Seattle?
No — roosters are prohibited in Seattle.
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in Seattle?
10 feet minimum. Structures housing domestic fowl must be at least 10 ft from any residential structure on an adjacent lot.
What law covers backyard chickens in Seattle?
SMC 23.42.052. Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
SMC 23.42.052 — read the official code
“Up to eight domestic fowl may be kept on any lot in addition to the small animals allowed.” source
“Roosters are not permitted.” source
“Structures housing domestic fowl must be located at least 10 feet away from any residential structure on an adjacent lot.” source
Last verified July 7, 2026. Always confirm with your municipality — HOA rules can be stricter than city code. How we verify →
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