Backyard chickens in Portland, Oregon
Everything you need to know before you start a backyard flock in Portland – the rules, the climate and the neighbors with teeth.
Can you keep chickens in Portland?
Portland is one of the most chicken-friendly cities in the country: no permit is needed to keep up to four hens (six on larger lots), though roosters are banned within city limits except on agriculturally zoned land. Just follow the coop setback and space standards under Title 13 and your flock is good to go!
Yes – with conditions
Yes, backyard chickens are legal in Portland. Under Portland City Code Title 13 (Bees and Livestock), Chapter 13.40.020, up to four chickens, ducks, pigeons, or other similarly sized domestic fowl may be kept on any lot, with up to six allowed on lots of 10,000 square feet or greater, plus up to four additional birds under 12 weeks of age. There is no maximum on lots 20,000 square feet or greater that allow agricultural uses or have an approved conditional use (§ 13.40.020.A.1). Roosters are prohibited citywide except for agricultural purposes on lots zoned for agricultural use (§ 13.40.020.A.3). No permit is required, but keepers must comply with all Title 13 standards and best practices.
The rules at a glance
- Hens in city limits
- Allowed
- How many hens
- 4
- Roosters
- No
- Permit required
- No
- Permit cost
- Not specified
- Setback from property line
- 15 ft.
Peggy knows Portland
The rules, straight from the municipal code.
Per Portland City Code § 13.40.040 (Livestock Facility Standards):
- Each fowl over 12 weeks of age must be provided a minimum of 10 square feet of usable shelter or pen area (§ 13.40.040.A.1).
- Structures in a livestock facility must be located at least 3 feet from side and rear property lines and at least 10 feet from the front property line (§ 13.40.040.D.1).
- On lots with more than one residential unit, livestock areas must be located at least 15 feet from the walls of all residential units and from outdoor spaces used for seating, playgrounds, or recreation (§ 13.40.040.D.2).
- Facilities must be adequately lighted, ventilated, and kept clean, dry, and free of vermin, odors, and accumulated waste, with a replaceable, absorbent ground cover (§ 13.40.040.B-C).
- Animals may never roam at large and must be confined to the property (§ 13.40.040.C.1).
- The City's guidance also recommends at least 2 square feet of indoor coop space and 10 square feet of outdoor run per chicken, and recommends straw or wood-shaving ground cover (never cedar or bare dirt).
- Meat may be used for personal consumption only (not sold, unless on agriculturally zoned land), and slaughtering must be done out of public and neighbor view.
Keeping a flock happy in Portland
🌡️ Climate
USDA Hardiness Zone 8b/9a (Marine West Coast / Mediterranean-influenced climate)
Portland has mild, wet winters and warm, dry summers typical of the Willamette Valley. High rainfall from fall through spring means coop ventilation and moisture control are critical to prevent mold, frostbite, and vector issues, while summer heat spikes are generally moderate but can occasionally exceed 90°F.
🦝 Who's after your hens
Portland's urban and suburban backyards commonly face raccoons, hawks (including Cooper's hawks), opossums, weasels, and coyotes on the city's fringes. Secure, roofed runs with buried hardware cloth (rather than chicken wire) are strongly recommended given the region's persistent raccoon and hawk populations.
🐔 Breeds that do well here
Rhode Island Red, Orpington, Australorp, Plymouth Rock, Wyandotte, Easter Egger
Our package comes with two Rhode Island Reds – hardy in heat and cold, and friendly with kids.
Questions people ask about Portland
▸Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Portland?
No. Portland does not require a permit to keep chickens or other backyard livestock, but you must comply with all Title 13 code standards and best practices.
▸How many chickens can I keep in Portland?
Up to 4 chickens (or other similarly sized domestic fowl) on any lot, up to 6 on lots of 10,000 square feet or greater, plus up to 4 additional birds under 12 weeks of age. There is no maximum on agriculturally-zoned lots of 20,000 square feet or greater.
▸Are roosters allowed in Portland?
No. Roosters are prohibited citywide except for agricultural purposes on lots that allow agricultural uses.
▸How far must a chicken coop be from my neighbor's house?
On lots with more than one residential unit, livestock areas must be at least 15 feet from the walls of residential units. Generally, coop structures must also be at least 3 feet from side/rear property lines and 10 feet from the front property line.
▸Can I sell eggs or meat from my Portland backyard flock?
Meat is intended for personal consumption only and may not be sold unless raised on land zoned for agricultural uses. Slaughtering must be done out of public view and away from neighboring properties.
City rules change, and this page is a summary rather than legal advice. Please confirm with Portland or your HOA before you order – and call us on (559) 321-7271 if you'd like a hand. Last checked August 29, 2026.
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