Backyard Chickens in Eugene, Oregon
Chickens are legal in Eugene — here's exactly what the ordinance requires.
Quick legal answer
Are backyard chickens legal in Eugene, Oregon?
Yes — subject to local rules
- Hen limit
- Up to 6 hens
- Roosters
- Not allowed
- Permit
- No permit requirement found in reviewed rules
- Setback
- Animal shelter structures must be at least 10 ft from all property lines unless the adjacent owner gives written authorization for a closer location.
- Zoning
- Where urban animal keeping is allowed, lots under 20,000 sq ft may keep up to 6 chickens or domestic fowl over 6 months old, plus up to 6 under 6 months old.
Last verified: May 2026
View Eugene ordinance ↗Ordinances and zoning rules change. Confirm the current requirements with your municipality before buying birds or building a coop.
What the Eugene Rules Say
Eugene Code Section 9.5250 regulates urban animal keeping. Where the use is allowed, lots under 20,000 square feet may keep up to 6 chickens or domestic fowl over 6 months old, plus up to 6 under 6 months old. Larger lots use an area-based standard.
Roosters are prohibited. The code also requires fencing to confine animals on site, weather shelter, sanitation controls, and setback rules for animal shelters.
What This Means in Plain English
Backyard hens are allowed in Eugene where zoning allows urban animal keeping. For many residential lots under 20,000 square feet, the practical adult flock limit is 6 hens.
Before you build, verify that your parcel allows urban animal keeping. The city code ties the rule to zoning, so parcel-specific conditions can matter.
Practical Considerations
Shelter Setbacks
Animal shelter structures must be at least 10 feet from all property lines unless the adjacent owner gives written authorization for a closer location.
Sanitation and Odor
Eugene requires sanitation practices that prevent waste buildup and odors beyond the property line. Compost containing animal waste must be enclosed or covered and kept at least 5 feet from property lines.
No Roosters
Roosters are prohibited. Keep a hen-only flock and avoid noise issues that could create enforcement problems.
Getting Started
- Confirm that urban animal keeping is allowed for your parcel.
- Keep no more than 6 adult chickens or domestic fowl on lots under 20,000 square feet.
- Do not keep roosters.
- Place shelters at least 10 feet from property lines unless written authorization applies.
- Use fencing, covered shelter, rodent-proof feed storage, and sanitation controls.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I have chickens in Eugene?
Yes, if your property allows urban animal keeping and you follow Eugene Code Section 9.5250.
How many hens can I have in Eugene?
On lots under 20,000 square feet, Eugene allows up to 6 chickens or domestic fowl over 6 months old, plus up to 6 younger birds.
Are roosters allowed in Eugene?
No. Eugene prohibits roosters.
Next Steps for Eugene Chicken Keepers
Verification Notice
This page was last verified against Eugene's municipal code in May 2026. Ordinances change — always confirm current rules with your local city clerk before purchasing birds or building a coop.
View Eugene Municipal Code ↗Get Backyard Chicken Updates for Oregon
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