Backyard Chickens in Gresham, Oregon

Can you keep chickens in Gresham?

Thinking about starting a backyard flock in Gresham, Oregon? The city permits up to three hens per single-family home with a permit — just remember, roosters aren't allowed and your coop needs to follow specific setback and confinement rules. Here's everything Peggy's Happy Chickens found in the actual Gresham Revised Code.

Yes – with conditions

Yes, Gresham allows backyard hens. Under the Gresham Chicken Code (GRC Article 7.17), a resident may keep three or fewer chickens on a lot or parcel developed with a single-family detached dwelling, provided the keeper resides on that property, and only after obtaining a City chicken permit (§7.17.030, §7.17.060). Roosters are prohibited outright (§7.17.030(3)). Multi-family (duplex/triplex/quadplex) and commercial properties are not eligible for chicken permits.

Read the ordinance ↗

The rules at a glance

Hens in city limits: Allowed
How many hens: 3
Roosters: No
Permit required: Yes
Permit cost: $50
Setback from property line: 25 ft.

Peggy knows Gresham

The rules, straight from the municipal code.

Chickens must be kept in an enclosed coop or run at all times, located in the rear yard only (§7.17.040(1)).
The coop must be at least 25 feet from any neighboring dwelling and at least 10 feet from all property lines; the run must be at least 10 feet from all property lines (§7.17.040(6)-(7)).
Chickens must be confined in a covered, enclosed coop between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. (§7.17.040(3)).
The coop must provide at least 2 square feet of floor space per grown chicken (§7.17.040(4)).
Only chickens older than four months count toward the 3-bird cap (§7.17.030(2)).
The coop and run must be kept clean, in good repair, and free of vermin and obnoxious odors, and must not violate the City's noise/odor nuisance code (§7.17.040(2),(5)).
Chicken feed must be stored in a sealed, rodent-proof container (§7.17.040(8)).
A City permit is required before keeping chickens; the permit costs $50 and is valid for a two-year period, and is not refundable (§7.17.060). Applicants must reside on the property and the property must be a single-family detached dwelling.
Violation of the Chicken Code may result in a fine of up to $500 (§7.17.070), and the City may inspect the property to verify compliance regardless of permit status (§7.17.050).
Some homeowners associations independently prohibit chickens even where the City allows them — check your HOA covenants.

Where this comes from

Keeping a flock happy in Gresham

🌡️ Climate

USDA Hardiness Zone 8b (Marine West Coast / Willamette Valley)

Gresham has a mild, wet Pacific Northwest climate with cool, rainy winters and warm, dry summers. Coops should prioritize good ventilation and moisture control to prevent damp bedding and frostbite risk during occasional winter cold snaps, and shade/airflow for warm, dry summer stretches.

🦝 Who's after your hens

RaccoonHawkOpossumCoyote

The City of Gresham's own chicken-keeping guidance specifically warns that predators in the area include hawks, owls, raccoons, opossums, and neighborhood dogs and cats, recommending netting over runs and buried hardware cloth or galvanized fencing to deter digging predators.

🐔 Breeds that do well here

Orpington, Australorp, Plymouth Rock, Wyandotte, Rhode Island Red (cold-hardy, docile dual-purpose breeds well suited to the Willamette Valley's damp winters)

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

Questions people ask about Gresham

▸How many chickens can I keep in Gresham?

Up to three chickens over four months old are allowed per single-family detached dwelling lot, provided the keeper resides there and holds a valid City permit.

▸Are roosters allowed in Gresham?

No. The Gresham Chicken Code expressly states, "No person shall keep roosters."

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

Yes. A City chicken permit is required before keeping chickens; it costs $50 and is valid for two years. Multi-family and commercial properties do not qualify.

▸How far must my coop be from my neighbor's house?

The coop must be at least 25 feet from any neighboring dwelling and at least 10 feet from all property lines; the run must also be at least 10 feet from property lines.

▸Can my chickens roam free in the daytime?

Chickens must be kept in an enclosed coop or run at all times and confined inside a covered coop between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m.; the coop and run must be located in the rear yard only.

City rules change, and this page is a summary rather than legal advice. Please confirm with Gresham or your HOA before you order – and call us on (559) 321-7271 if you'd like a hand. Last checked September 27, 2026.