Backyard Chickens in Bremerton, Washington

Can you keep chickens in Bremerton?

Thinking of raising a few backyard hens in Bremerton? The city allows up to five licensed hens per single-family lot — but roosters are off the table entirely. Here's everything Peggy's Happy Chickens found in the official Bremerton Municipal Code so you can build a compliant, predator-proof coop from day one.

Yes – with conditions

Yes, backyard chickens are legal in Bremerton. Under Bremerton Municipal Code (BMC) § 7.06.010, chickens may be kept within city limits, but no more than five (5) hens, including chicks, may be kept per single-family residential lot (§ 7.06.010(a)). Roosters are strictly prohibited (§ 7.06.010(b)). Chickens (except chicks) may not be kept inside any dwelling (§ 7.06.010(c)), and they may not run at large — they must be enclosed in a henhouse, coop, or chicken tractor at all times (§ 7.06.010(l)). Chickens are only allowed on single-family residential lots with a maximum of one residence (§ 7.06.010(m)), and slaughtering chickens on the property is prohibited (§ 7.06.010(o)). An annual chicken license (§ 7.06.020) is required, issued by the Kitsap Humane Society on behalf of the city.

Read the ordinance ↗

The rules at a glance

Hens in city limits: Allowed
How many hens: 5
Roosters: No
Permit required: Yes
Permit cost: $12.50
Setback from property line: 3 ft.

Peggy knows Bremerton

The rules, straight from the municipal code.

Bremerton's ordinance imposes detailed coop/structure standards (BMC § 7.06.010):

Henhouses, coops, and chicken tractors must be set back at least 3 feet from all property lines (§ 7.06.010(d)).
They must be set back 100 feet from any public or private well (§ 7.06.010(k)), and must comply with the city's shoreline master plan and critical areas ordinance for setbacks from bodies of water (§ 7.06.010(j)).
Structures (including chicken runs) may not exceed 200 square feet in size or 7 feet in height at the highest point (§ 7.06.010(f)).
Henhouses/coops must provide at least 6 square feet of space per chicken; chicken tractors must provide at least 4 square feet per chicken (§ 7.06.010(g)-(h)).
Structures must be restricted to the backyard area of the lot (§ 7.06.010(i)) and must be rodent-proof, as must feed storage containers (§ 7.06.010(p)-(q)).
Coops must be kept clean and maintained so dust, manure, and odors are not detectable beyond the property line (§ 7.06.010(e)), and manure must be managed to avoid nuisance violations under Chapter 6.02 BMC (§ 7.06.010(n)).
An annual chicken license (up to 5 hens) costs $12.50, issued by the Kitsap Humane Society; a lifetime senior citizen license is also $12.50. Late renewals incur a $10 additional fee (§ 7.06.020(d)).

Where this comes from

Keeping a flock happy in Bremerton

🌡️ Climate

USDA Hardiness Zone 8b/9a (Maritime Pacific Northwest)

Bremerton has a mild, wet maritime climate typical of the Puget Sound region, with cool, rainy winters and mild, relatively dry summers. Freezing temperatures are infrequent and brief, making it a very forgiving climate for keeping backyard hens year-round, though coop ventilation and moisture control are important given the high annual rainfall.

🦝 Who's after your hens

RaccoonHawkCoyoteOpossumWeasel

Raccoons are a very common backyard predator concern in Bremerton, and the city itself publishes wildlife guidance on them. Other documented poultry predators in the area include coyotes, foxes, skunks, feral cats, dogs, bobcats, opossums, weasels, and birds of prey such as hawks, eagles, and owls.

🐔 Breeds that do well here

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

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

Questions people ask about Bremerton

▸How many chickens can I keep in Bremerton?

Up to five (5) hens, including chicks, per single-family residential lot (BMC § 7.06.010(a)).

▸Are roosters allowed in Bremerton?

No. Bremerton's ordinance explicitly states that no roosters are allowed (BMC § 7.06.010(b)).

▸Do I need a permit or license to keep chickens in Bremerton?

Yes. An annual chicken license is required, costing $12.50 per year for up to five hens, and is issued by the Kitsap Humane Society on the city's behalf.

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

Coops, henhouses, and chicken tractors must be set back at least 3 feet from all property lines, 100 feet from any well, and must comply with shoreline/critical area setbacks near water bodies (BMC § 7.06.010(d), (j), (k)).

▸Can I slaughter chickens at my home in Bremerton?

No. The ordinance specifically prohibits slaughtering chickens on the property (BMC § 7.06.010(o)).

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