OverEZ Classic Medium Chicken Coop
Amish-built, made in USA. Houses up to 10 hens while staying compact enough for many suburban backyards.
Why it fits: Useful first-flock gear
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Compare on Amazon →Backyard Chickens in Seattle, Washington
Chickens are legal in Seattle — here's exactly what the ordinance requires.
Quick legal answer
Are backyard chickens legal in Seattle, Washington?
Yes — subject to local rules
- Hen limit
- Up to 8 hens
- Roosters
- Not allowed
- Permit
- No permit requirement found in reviewed rules
- Setback
- Structures housing domestic fowl must be at least 10 ft from any structure with a dwelling unit on an adjacent lot
- Zoning
- Up to eight domestic fowl are allowed on typical lots; more may be allowed on lots over 10,000 sq ft; roosters are not permitted
Last verified: May 2026
View Seattle ordinance ↗Ordinances and zoning rules change. Confirm the current requirements with your municipality before buying birds or building a coop.
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What the Seattle Rules Say
Seattle allows domestic fowl as an accessory residential use. City guidance and Seattle Municipal Code Section 23.42.052 allow up to eight domestic fowl on typical city lots, with higher numbers possible on lots over 10,000 square feet.
Roosters are not permitted. Structures housing domestic fowl must be located at least 10 feet from any structure that includes a dwelling unit on an adjacent lot.
Seattle also regulates animals through its animal control and noise rules. Even where the flock count is legal, odor, noise, sanitation, and housing conditions still matter.
What This Means in Plain English
Most Seattle households can plan around a maximum of eight hens. If your lot is larger than 10,000 square feet, you may have room under the code for more domestic fowl, but the ordinary backyard answer is eight.
Do not get a rooster in Seattle. The rule is direct, and rooster noise is one of the easiest ways to turn a quiet backyard flock into an enforcement problem.
Practical Considerations
Coop Placement
Measure from the chicken housing to neighboring dwelling structures, not just to the property line. The 10-foot rule applies to structures that include dwelling units on adjacent lots.
Wet Weather
Seattle coops need drainage, covered run space, and dry feed storage. Mud and wet bedding can create odor faster than flock size alone.
Predators
Urban predators and rodents are real concerns. Use hardware cloth, secure latches, and sealed feed bins.
Getting Started
- Confirm your lot size.
- Plan for no more than eight hens on a typical lot.
- Skip roosters.
- Place the coop at least 10 feet from neighboring dwelling structures.
- Build for rain, mud control, and secure feed storage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I have chickens in Seattle, WA?
Yes. Seattle allows domestic fowl, including chickens, subject to flock limits and placement rules.
How many hens can I have in Seattle?
Seattle allows up to eight domestic fowl on typical lots. Larger lots over 10,000 square feet may qualify for more.
Are roosters allowed in Seattle?
No. Seattle does not permit roosters.
Matched next steps
Recommended Setup for Seattle's Rules
Practical options selected to fit the result above.
Galvanized Feed Storage Can
Pest controlRodent-resistant feed storage that helps prevent pests, odors, and nuisance complaints.
Why it fits: Pest control
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After checking the rules
Next Steps for Seattle Chicken Keepers
Verification Notice
This page was last verified against Seattle'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 Seattle Municipal Code ↗Get Backyard Chicken Updates for Washington
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