Backyard Chickens in Eugene, Oregon

Can you keep chickens in Eugene?

Eugene, Oregon welcomes backyard chicken keepers under its Urban Animal Keeping ordinance (EC 9.5250), allowing up to six hens (plus six juveniles) on typical residential lots without a special permit — though roosters are off the table for everyone inside city limits.

Yes – with conditions

Yes. Eugene allows backyard chickens under its Urban Animal Keeping standards (Eugene Code § 9.5250). On development sites under 20,000 square feet in a qualifying zone, residents may keep up to 6 chickens/domestic fowl over six months of age and up to 6 more under six months of age, as one of two allowed animal categories. Roosters are explicitly prohibited city-wide, along with geese, peacocks, and turkeys.

Read the ordinance ↗

The rules at a glance

Hens in city limits: Allowed
How many hens: 6
Roosters: No
Permit required: No
Permit cost: Not specified
Setback from property line: 10 ft.

Peggy knows Eugene

The rules, straight from the municipal code.

Under EC 9.5250, keepers must comply with fencing, enclosure, sanitation, and area requirements:

Enclosure: An enclosure is required, must be roofed with at least two solid sides, meet accessory-structure height limits, and be located at least 10 feet from all property lines (unless an adjacent neighbor authorizes a closer distance in writing).
Fencing: Fencing designed and constructed to confine all animals to the site is required, matching the height/location rules for the applicable zone.
Sanitation: Waste matter may not accumulate, compost containing animal waste must sit at least 5 feet from property lines in an enclosed, covered bin, odors may not be detectable beyond property lines, and feed must be stored in rodent-proof containers.
Area requirement (larger lots): On sites of 20,000 sq. ft. or more, chickens/domestic fowl/rabbits require 1,000 square feet of site area per animal over six months old.
Harvesting: On-site harvesting of chickens, domestic fowl, or rabbits is allowed but must be done out of public/neighbor view, in a humane and sanitary manner; commercial slaughterhouses are not allowed.
All animal keeping must also comply with the City's noise, animal abuse, animal neglect, and nuisance ('continuous annoyance') code sections.

Where this comes from

Keeping a flock happy in Eugene

🌡️ Climate

8b (Willamette Valley, Pacific Northwest)

Eugene has a mild, wet Mediterranean-type climate with cool, rainy winters and warm, dry summers. Coops should prioritize excellent ventilation combined with rain/wind protection, elevated dry bedding areas, and mold/mildew prevention rather than extreme cold protection.

🦝 Who's after your hens

RaccoonHawkFoxCoyoteOpossumSkunk

Willamette Valley backyards commonly face raccoons, hawks, foxes, coyotes, opossums, and skunks. Given Eugene's rainy climate, ensure hardware-cloth (not chicken wire) covers all openings, bury or apron fencing to stop digging predators, and secure coops nightly since raccoons are highly dexterous.

🐔 Breeds that do well here

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

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

Questions people ask about Eugene

▸How many chickens can I keep in Eugene?

On lots under 20,000 square feet in a qualifying zone, you may keep up to 6 chickens/domestic fowl over six months old and up to 6 more under six months old, as one of two permitted animal categories on the property (EC 9.5250(4)(a)).

▸Are roosters allowed in Eugene?

No. Eugene Code 9.5250 expressly prohibits roosters (along with geese, peacocks, and turkeys) under the Urban Animal Keeping standards.

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

There is no separate chicken-specific permit; instead, keepers must simply comply with the standards in EC 9.5250 regarding enclosures, fencing, sanitation, and setbacks.

▸How far must a chicken coop be from my property line?

Enclosures/coops must be located at least 10 feet from all property lines, unless an adjacent neighbor provides written authorization allowing it closer (EC 9.5250(7)(d)).

▸Can I slaughter chickens at home in Eugene?

Yes, on-site harvesting of chickens, domestic fowl, or rabbits is allowed, but it must be done in a humane, sanitary manner and out of view from any public area or adjacent property (EC 9.5250(9)).

City rules change, and this page is a summary rather than legal advice. Please confirm with Eugene or your HOA before you order – and call us on (559) 321-7271 if you'd like a hand. Last checked September 12, 2026.