Backyard Chickens in Bothell, Washington

Can you keep chickens in Bothell?

Nestled in the lush, rain-fed hills north of Seattle, Bothell, Washington welcomes backyard chicken keepers with open arms — as long as roosters stay off the property and flock size matches your lot. Peggy's Happy Chickens is here to help you navigate Bothell's coop setbacks, lot-size-based hen limits, and predator-proofing tips so your flock thrives in the Pacific Northwest's mild, misty climate.

Yes – with conditions

Yes, backyard chickens are allowed in Bothell. The Bothell Municipal Code (BMC 12.06.140(B)(2)(e)) permits the keeping of chickens as an accessory residential use, but the exact number allowed depends on lot size, and adult roosters are prohibited citywide.

The City of Bothell's own animal ownership page confirms: Chickens are allowed, but no roosters in Bothell. You may own chickens within the city limits of Bothell, though Roosters are prohibited.

Read the ordinance ↗

The rules at a glance

Hens in city limits: Allowed
How many hens: 8
Roosters: No
Permit required: No
Permit cost: Not specified
Setback from property line: 5 ft.

Peggy knows Bothell

The rules, straight from the municipal code.

Under BMC 12.06.140(B)(2)(e), the number of chickens permitted is tied directly to lot size: No chickens may be kept on properties less than 5,000 square feet in area or on properties within the R-M4, DT, DN, DC, GDC, 522 and R-AC zoning classifications, except for those properties within the aforementioned zones which contain one single-family residence may keep the number of chickens allowed herein; Up to five total adult chickens on properties of 5,000 to 7,200 square feet; Up to eight total adult chickens on properties of 7,200 to 35,000 square feet, and up to eight plus one additional chicken for every 1,000 square feet of lot area beyond 35,000 square feet.

Coop setbacks: chicken coops, sheds, and other structures used to house chickens (including movable 'chicken tractors') must meet the accessory-building setback standards of BMC Chapter 12.14. Under BMC 12.14.030, the minimum side yard setback for accessory structures is 5 feet in all residential zones, while front and rear setbacks vary (front: 15–20 ft; rear: 5–35 ft depending on zone and alley access). BMC 12.14.130 further notes accessory buildings have 'No stable, shed, coop or other structure for the keeping of animals, not including bees, shall be located closer than 20 feet from any exterior property line' for animals kept for agricultural purposes under BMC 12.06.030, though residential-scale chicken keeping under 12.06.140 instead follows the standard Chapter 12.14 accessory setbacks.

Additional rules: juvenile chicks under 30 days old do not count toward the adult chicken limit, adult roosters are strictly prohibited, and suitable fencing/structures must be provided to keep chickens confined to the property so as not to create a nuisance.

Where this comes from

Keeping a flock happy in Bothell

🌡️ Climate

USDA Hardiness Zone 8b

Bothell sits in USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 8b, with typical winter lows in the 15–20°F range and a mild, wet Pacific Northwest maritime climate. Winters are cool and rainy rather than frigid, while summers are mild and dry, making it a relatively easy climate for most cold-hardy chicken breeds year-round, though coops should still offer good ventilation and moisture control given the region's high rainfall.

🦝 Who's after your hens

RaccoonHawkCoyoteOpossumSkunk

According to the City of Bothell, local wildlife includes coyotes, bobcat, deer, raccoon, beavers, opossum, squirrels, rabbits, crows, ducks and more, several of which are known poultry predators. Raccoons and coyotes are especially notorious for attacking backyard flocks, and hawks pose a daytime aerial threat, so secure, fully enclosed coops and runs (with covered tops and buried perimeter wire) are strongly recommended for Bothell flock owners.

🐔 Breeds that do well here

Rhode Island Red, Orpington, Plymouth Rock, Australorp, Wyandotte

Our package comes with two Rhode Island Reds – hardy in heat and cold, and friendly with kids.

Questions people ask about Bothell

▸How many chickens can I keep in Bothell?

It depends on your lot size. Properties under 5,000 sq ft generally cannot keep chickens, lots of 5,000–7,200 sq ft may keep up to 5 adult chickens, and lots of 7,200–35,000 sq ft may keep up to 8 adult chickens, with additional birds allowed on larger parcels (BMC 12.06.140(B)(2)(e)(1)).

▸Are roosters allowed in Bothell?

No. Bothell's municipal code explicitly states that adult roosters are prohibited (BMC 12.06.140(B)(2)(e)(4)), and the city's own website confirms chickens are allowed but roosters are not.

▸Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Bothell?

No permit is required to keep chickens within the numeric limits set by the municipal code. A conditional use permit is only required if you want to keep more animals than the code otherwise allows.

▸How far from my property line does my coop need to be?

Chicken coops and chicken tractors must meet the accessory-structure setback rules in BMC Chapter 12.14, which set a minimum 5-foot side yard setback in residential zones, with front and rear setbacks varying by zone (roughly 15-20 ft front, 5-35 ft rear).

▸Do baby chicks count toward my chicken limit?

No. Under BMC 12.06.140(B)(2)(e)(3), juvenile chickens or chicks less than 30 days old are not counted toward the maximum number of allowed adult chickens.

City rules change, and this page is a summary rather than legal advice. Please confirm with Bothell or your HOA before you order – and call us on (559) 321-7271 if you'd like a hand. Last checked September 30, 2026.