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📍 City Guide — Eugene, OR

Eugene, Oregon Backyard Chicken Ordinance: 6 Hens, More Permissive Than Portland

Eugene allows twice as many hens as Portland (6 vs. 3) with a permit and a 15-foot setback. Here's Eugene's complete ordinance, permit process, and how this Willamette Valley city's approach to urban chickens differs from Portland.

Quick Summary
Limit: 6 hens  ·  Roosters: Prohibited  ·  Permit: Required  ·  Setback: 15 ft from property line  ·  Code: Eugene Code § 9.2820

Eugene's More Permissive Approach vs. Portland

Eugene City Code § 9.2820 permits up to 6 hens — double Portland's 3-hen limit — with a permit from the Eugene Planning Division. Eugene's higher limit reflects the city's strong sustainability culture and the influence of the University of Oregon's environmental programs, which helped build local political support for urban agriculture provisions.

Eugene's 15-foot setback from property lines is also more workable than Portland's rear-yard-only requirement on many of Eugene's generously-sized residential lots. The Willamette Valley's mild climate (rarely below 20°F in winter, warm but not extreme summers) makes Eugene one of Oregon's best environments for year-round chicken production.

Key Rules

  • Up to 6 hens per residential lot
  • Roosters are prohibited
  • A permit from Eugene Planning Division is required
  • Coop must be at least 15 feet from any property line
  • Coop must be fully enclosed and predator-proof
  • Feed in sealed, rodent-proof containers
  • No annual permit renewal — one-time approval

Eugene vs. Oregon Peer Cities

CityLimitPermitSetback
Eugene6 hensPermit required15 ft from property line
Portland3 hensAnnual permit ($31)Rear yard only
Salem5 hensPermit required15 ft setback
Bend6 hensPermit required15 ft setback
Corvallis4 hensPermit required10 ft setback
Springfield4 hensNo permit15 ft setback

Frequently Asked Questions

Eugene Planning Division issues permits through the city's Development Services office at 99 W. 10th Ave. Applications are available at eugene-or.gov. Submit with a site sketch showing property lines, house location, and coop placement with setback measurements labeled. The fee is approximately $50–$75. Processing: 2–3 weeks. No annual renewal required.
Yes — Springfield is a separate city directly adjacent to Eugene with its own municipal code. Springfield allows 4 hens with no permit and a 15-foot setback — fewer hens than Eugene but no permit required. If your address is in Springfield (which uses a different address range along Main St / Olympic St corridor), Springfield's code governs. Use the Lane County Assessor parcel search to confirm your jurisdiction.
Yes — Eugene's Willamette Valley climate is among the best in the Pacific Northwest for chickens. Mild winters (Eugene rarely sees more than a few nights below 25°F), moderate summers, and the long, mild fall and spring shoulder seasons mean chickens produce eggs nearly year-round without supplemental lighting. Oregon State University Extension Lane County (541-344-5859) is an excellent local resource for poultry management in the Willamette Valley climate.

Related Guides

CityPortland Chicken RulesPortland's 3-hen annual permit model.StateOregon Livestock LawsAll major Oregon cities.ToolFlock Production Planner6 hens — what to expect.
Disclaimer: Ordinances change frequently. Always verify current rules with your local planning department before acquiring any animals.