Backyard Chickens in Tacoma, Washington

What the Tacoma Rules Say

Tacoma Municipal Code Chapter 5.30 regulates poultry and pigeons. Poultry includes domestic fowl raised for meat or eggs, such as chickens, turkeys, ducks, or geese.

Tacoma allows no more than six adult poultry per parcel by default. A property may have up to 10 adult poultry if the owner obtains written consent from all owners of residences, dwellings, hotels, apartment houses, or rooming houses owned by others within 50 feet of where the poultry are kept, and files that consent with the City Clerk.

One additional adult poultry or pigeon is allowed for each 5,000 square feet of lot area over 10,000 square feet. Roosters are prohibited within city limits.

Animal enclosures such as cages or coops must be at least 12 feet from the nearest portion of any residence, dwelling, hotel, apartment house, or rooming house. Enclosures must be behind the front wall of the main building and outside the required side yard setback area. Enclosures larger than 200 square feet require a building permit.

What This Means in Plain English

Most Tacoma backyard keepers should plan for six hens. More may be possible, but only if the consent and filing rules apply or the lot is large enough to earn additional birds.

Roosters are not allowed. The coop placement rules are also important because Tacoma regulates where cages and coops can sit on the lot.

Practical Considerations

Six Is the Easy Number

Six hens is the cleanest default plan. If you want seven to 10 adult poultry, prepare for the neighbor consent process.

Measure Before Building

The 12-foot enclosure setback is measured from the nearest portion of specified residential buildings, not only from property lines.

Coop Size

If your planned enclosure is larger than 200 square feet, check building permit requirements before construction.

Getting Started

1. Plan for six adult hens unless you qualify for more.
2. Do not keep roosters.
3. Measure the coop location against the 12-foot rule.
4. Keep the enclosure behind the front wall of the main building.
5. Check permit rules if the enclosure will exceed 200 square feet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I have chickens in Tacoma, WA?

Yes. Tacoma allows adult poultry, including chickens, subject to parcel limits and enclosure rules.

How many hens can I have in Tacoma?

Tacoma allows six adult poultry per parcel by default. Up to 10 may be possible with required written consent and City Clerk filing.

Are roosters allowed in Tacoma?

No. Roosters are prohibited within Tacoma city limits.