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

Coop Ready Washington Seattle

Hens allowed

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

Hen limit

8

Roosters

Banned

Permit

No

Coop placement

10 ft from a neighbor's home

Source linked These rules come from the source linked below. Confirm current details with the city.

Read the official Seattle rules ↗ Checked October 2026.

Will your coop fit in Seattle?

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 Seattle rules above. Free, no account.

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Backyard chicken questions in Seattle

How many chickens can I have in Seattle?

Up to 8 hens on a typical home lot.

Are roosters allowed in Seattle?

No. Seattle bans roosters on typical home lots.

Do I need a permit for backyard chickens in Seattle?

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

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

Where the coop can go in Seattle: 10 ft from a neighbor's home.

Can my HOA ban chickens if Seattle 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 Seattle before you build.