Backyard Livestock Laws in Washington
Washington 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 Washington where backyard livestock questions are most commonly searched.
Washington State has no state preemption of local livestock ordinances. Seattle is frequently cited as one of the most chicken-friendly major cities in the country — 8 hens, no permit, and one of the most detailed bee ordinances (4 hives with flyway fence requirements) in the nation.
Major Washington Cities — Chicken & Livestock Rules Summary
| City / County | Current Rules (verify locally) |
|---|---|
| Seattle | Up to 8 hens, no roosters, no permit required, 10 ft from property line, 4 hive beekeeping limit |
| Spokane | Up to 4 hens, no roosters, permit required, 10 ft setback |
| Tacoma | Up to 5 hens, no roosters, zoning permit required |
| Bellevue | Up to 3 hens, no roosters, no permit, rear yard only |
| Olympia | Up to 6 hens, no roosters, permit required |
| Kirkland | Up to 6 hens, no roosters, 10 ft from property line, no permit |
Data current as of late 2024. Ordinances change — always verify with your local planning department.
State-Level Registration Requirements
Beekeeping: Washington requires registration of all managed honey bee hives with the Washington Department of Agriculture. Contact your state's apiary division for current registration fees and requirements.
Livestock generally: Washington 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 Washington
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.