Quick Summary
Limit: 4 hens · Roosters: Prohibited · Permit: Required · Setback: 10 ft from property line · Code: Spokane Municipal Code § 17C.310.240Spokane's Chicken Rules
Spokane Municipal Code § 17C.310.240 permits up to 4 hens in residential zones with a permit. Spokane's limit is more conservative than Seattle's (8 hens, no permit) despite Eastern Washington's stronger agricultural culture — reflecting a city council that has been slower to update urban agriculture provisions than its Puget Sound counterpart.
Spokane's relatively affordable housing and larger-than-average residential lots (many Spokane neighborhoods have 7,000–10,000 sq ft lots) make the practical chicken-keeping experience very workable within the 4-hen limit and 10-foot setback.
Spokane's Cold Climate Consideration
Spokane's continental climate — cold, snowy winters and hot, dry summers — is more extreme than Western Washington. Hens need an insulated, draft-free coop in winter and shade in summer. Washington State University Extension's Spokane County office (509-477-2048) offers free resources on cold-climate chicken husbandry, including breed recommendations for Spokane's temperature swings.
Key Rules
- Up to 4 hens per residential lot
- Roosters are prohibited
- A permit from Spokane's Development Services Center is required
- Coop must be at least 10 feet from any property line
- Rear yard required
- Coop must be fully enclosed and predator-proof
- Feed in sealed, rodent-proof containers
Spokane vs. Other Washington State Cities
| City | Limit | Permit | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spokane | 4 hens | Permit required | 10 ft from property line |
| Seattle | 8 hens | No permit | 10 ft from property line |
| Bellevue | 3 hens | No permit | Rear yard only |
| Kirkland | 6 hens | No permit | 10 ft setback |
| Spokane Valley | 4 hens | Permit required | 10 ft setback |
| Yakima | 4 hens | Permit required | 15 ft setback |
Frequently Asked Questions
Spokane's Development Services Center issues permits at 808 W. Spokane Falls Blvd. Applications are also available at spokanecity.org. You'll need to submit a site plan showing your property layout, house location, and proposed coop placement with setback measurements. The fee is approximately $30–$50. Processing takes 1–2 weeks.
No — Spokane Valley is a separate incorporated city with its own municipal code. Both cities allow 4 hens with a permit and a 10-foot setback, so the rules are nearly identical. But the permits are issued by different departments. If your address is in Spokane Valley, contact Spokane Valley's Permit Center at (509) 720-5240 rather than the City of Spokane.
Yes — Spokane permits beekeeping with up to 2 hives in residential zones with a permit and setback requirements. Washington State requires registration of all honey bee colonies with the WA Department of Agriculture. Spokane's beekeeping ordinance is more restrictive than Seattle's (2 hives vs. 4), but the lower density of Spokane's residential areas makes practical beekeeping very manageable within those limits.
Related Guides
CitySeattle Chicken RulesSeattle's more permissive 8-hen, no-permit model.StateWashington Livestock LawsAll major WA cities.ToolFlock Production PlannerWhat 4 hens actually produces.
Disclaimer: Ordinances change frequently. Always verify current rules with your local planning department before acquiring any animals.