Olympia, WA Chicken Laws: Hens, Roosters, Permits and Coop Rules

Coop Ready Washington Olympia

Hens allowed

Yes. Olympia allows backyard hens on a typical single-family home lot.

Hens and ducks (counted together) must be kept in a fenced area big enough for exercise, with a coop that protects them from weather, predators and rodents. Geese and turkeys are also banned.

Hen limit

5 on lots up to 1 acre (up to 10 on larger lots)

Roosters

Banned

Permit

No

Coop placement

No coop distance stated

Checked against city code We read the official code section linked below for every fact on this page.

Read the official Olympia rules ↗ Checked October 2026.

Will your coop fit in Olympia?

Draw your lot, your house and your neighbor's house on a satellite map, drop in a coop, and Coop Ready measures the distances and compares them with the Olympia rules above. Free, no account.

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Backyard chicken questions in Olympia

How many chickens can I have in Olympia?

The hen limit in Olympia: 5 on lots up to 1 acre (up to 10 on larger lots).

Are roosters allowed in Olympia?

No. Olympia bans roosters on typical home lots.

Do I need a permit for backyard chickens in Olympia?

No. Olympia does not require a permit for a typical backyard flock.

How far does a chicken coop have to be from my neighbor in Olympia?

Where the coop can go in Olympia: no coop distance stated.

Can my HOA ban chickens if Olympia allows them?

Yes. HOA rules, deed restrictions and leases can be stricter than city code. Read yours before you build.

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Coop Ready is a planning aid, not legal advice. City codes change, and zoning, HOA rules and your exact parcel can change what is allowed. Confirm with Olympia before you build.