Backyard Chickens in Everett, Washington

Can you keep chickens in Everett?

Thinking about starting a backyard flock in Everett, Washington? The city allows hens on most residential lots without a permit — up to six on a typical lot — with larger lots earning bigger flocks. Roosters are allowed too, but only with a small livestock facility license, since crowing complaints are common in city neighborhoods.

Yes – with conditions

Yes. Under the Everett Municipal Code, keeping backyard chickens is legal in nonagriculturally zoned areas as "small livestock" for personal household use (EMC 6.04.035(A), (D)). The number of hens allowed scales with lot size, and roosters are permitted only if the owner obtains a small livestock facility license (EMC 6.04.040(C)).

Read the ordinance ↗

The rules at a glance

Hens in city limits: Allowed
How many hens: 6
Roosters: conditional
Permit required: No
Permit cost: $50
Setback from property line: Not specified

Peggy knows Everett

The rules, straight from the municipal code.

Chicken limits are tied to lot size under EMC 6.04.035(D)(1): up to 6 chickens on lots up to 10,000 sq ft; up to 8 chickens on lots between 10,000–15,000 sq ft; up to 10 chickens on lots 15,000–35,000 sq ft; and one additional chicken per 5,000 sq ft on lots larger than 35,000 sq ft. Chickens are kept for personal household use only, not commercial purposes (EMC 6.04.035(A)).

Facilities housing fewer than six small livestock animals (and no roosters) do not need a facility license, but any facility keeping one or more roosters must obtain a small livestock facility license, as must anyone keeping six or more chickens/domesticated fowl (EMC 6.04.040(C); Everett Animal Services FAQ). The facility license fee has been reported at $50, paid into the city's general fund to help offset animal-control costs.

Peafowl are not permitted at all (EMC 6.04.035(D)(2)(a)), and mink and foxes may not be kept as small livestock (EMC 6.04.035(D)(3)(a)). Licensed facilities must also comply with general health and sanitation rules — waste must be removed from coops/enclosures regularly to prevent odor and flies, and accessory structures such as coops cannot be placed in front yards or on the street-facing side of corner lots and must otherwise meet the accessory-structure siting rules of EMC Title 19.

Where this comes from

Keeping a flock happy in Everett

🌡️ Climate

USDA Hardiness Zone 8b (Marine West Coast / Pacific Northwest)

Everett has a mild, wet marine climate with cool, rainy winters and dry, mild summers. Coops should prioritize ventilation and dry, elevated bedding to manage the region's near-constant fall-through-spring moisture and to prevent mold, frostbite, and respiratory issues in flocks.

🦝 Who's after your hens

RaccoonHawkCoyoteOpossumWeasel

Everett-area keepers commonly report raccoons, hawks (including eagles), coyotes, opossums, and weasels as flock threats; secure, predator-proof coops and covered runs are strongly recommended, especially at night and dusk/dawn hours.

🐔 Breeds that do well here

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

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

Questions people ask about Everett

▸How many chickens can I keep in Everett without a permit?

On a typical residential lot up to 10,000 square feet, you can keep up to 6 chickens without a facility license. Larger lots allow more: up to 8 on 10,000–15,000 sq ft, up to 10 on 15,000–35,000 sq ft, and additional birds beyond that (EMC 6.04.035(D)(1)).

▸Are roosters allowed in Everett?

Yes, but only if the owner obtains a small livestock facility license. Facilities housing even a single rooster are required to be licensed under EMC 6.04.040(C), regardless of total flock size.

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

Not for a small flock. A small livestock facility license is only required if you keep six or more chickens/domesticated fowl, keep any rabbits in outdoor hutches at that scale, or keep any rooster at all, per the city's Animal Control FAQ and EMC 6.04.040(C).

▸Can I keep other poultry besides chickens in Everett?

Yes. Ducks, geese, turkeys and similar fowl are allowed under similar lot-size-based limits (EMC 6.04.035(D)(2)), but peafowl are prohibited entirely.

▸What does the small livestock facility license cost in Everett?

Reporting on Everett City Council action indicates a $50 small livestock facility license fee, which goes into the city's general fund to help offset animal services costs.

City rules change, and this page is a summary rather than legal advice. Please confirm with Everett or your HOA before you order – and call us on (559) 321-7271 if you'd like a hand. Last checked September 22, 2026.