Backyard Livestock Laws in Oregon
Oregon does not have a statewide preemption law that standardizes livestock ordinances across all municipalities — rules are set at the city and county level. This guide covers the major cities and counties in Oregon where backyard livestock questions are most commonly searched.
Oregon is notable for Portland's annual permit model, which is more administratively active than most cities (yearly renewal, city maintains a live registry). Oregon's beekeeping culture is strong, and state registration requirements are consistently enforced through the Oregon Department of Agriculture's apiary program.
Major Oregon Cities — Chicken & Livestock Rules Summary
| City / County | Current Rules (verify locally) |
|---|---|
| Portland | Up to 3 hens, no roosters, annual permit required ($31), rear yard only |
| Salem | Up to 5 hens, no roosters, permit required |
| Eugene | Up to 6 hens, no roosters, permit required |
| Gresham | Up to 3 hens, permit required |
| Hillsboro | Up to 4 hens, permit required |
| Bend | Up to 6 hens, no roosters, permit required; Bend has seen rapid growth and ordinance updates are pending in some districts |
Data current as of late 2024. Ordinances change — always verify with your local planning department.
State-Level Registration Requirements
Beekeeping: Oregon requires registration of all managed honey bee hives with the Oregon Department of Agriculture. Contact your state's apiary division for current registration fees and requirements.
Livestock generally: Oregon does not require state-level registration for small-scale backyard livestock (chickens, goats, rabbits) below commercial thresholds. However, certain disease reporting requirements may apply if your flock shows signs of reportable diseases — contact your state Department of Agriculture's animal health division for details.
Finding Unincorporated County Rules in Oregon
If your property is in an unincorporated area (not within city limits), county zoning rules apply rather than municipal ordinances. County rules are generally more permissive than city ordinances. To confirm whether you're incorporated or unincorporated, check your county assessor's parcel records — the "jurisdiction" or "municipality" field will show if you're in a city or in unincorporated county territory.