Backyard Chickens in Renton, Washington

Can you keep chickens in Renton?

Thinking about keeping a backyard flock in Renton, Washington? The city allows hens on most residential lots under its animal-keeping code, but there are specific lot-size-based limits, a citywide rooster ban, and setback rules your coop needs to follow. Here's what Peggy's Happy Chickens found in Renton's actual municipal code.

Yes – with conditions

Yes. Renton's municipal code allows residents to keep chickens as "Small Lot Domestic Animals" (a category that also includes ducks, geese, pigeons, and rabbits) under RMC 4-4-010. No permit is required to keep the generally-allowed number of chickens, but roosters are prohibited citywide.

Read the ordinance ↗

The rules at a glance

Hens in city limits: Allowed
How many hens: 3
Roosters: No
Permit required: No
Permit cost: Not specified
Setback from property line: 10 ft.

Peggy knows Renton

The rules, straight from the municipal code.

Under RMC 4-4-010(G)(2),

Base allowance: Small Lot Domestic Animals (chickens, ducks, geese, pigeons, rabbits) are capped at 3 on lots that are at least 4,500 gross sq. ft. in size, with 1 additional animal allowed per additional 1,000 gross sq. ft. of lot area.
Roosters & other fowl: The City prohibits the keeping of roosters or peahens/peacocks (RMC 4-4-010(E); also codified at RMC 6-6-12(B)).
Shelter setback: Shelters, pens, and permanent/temporary kennel structures shall be located in the rear yard and a minimum of ten feet (10') from any property line (RMC 4-4-010(J)(1)); a side-yard exception may be granted administratively.
Nuisance/noise: All animals shall be kept in such a manner so as not to create any objectionable noise, odor, annoyance, or become a public nuisance (RMC 4-4-010(J)(4)), consistent with the City's Public Disturbance Noise code (RMC 8-7-3).
Waste management: Any outdoor areas used for animal containment or exercise shall be maintained by removing animal waste on a daily basis for proper disposal as solid waste (RMC 4-4-010(J)(5)).
Exceeding the base limit: Keeping more birds than the base lot-size formula allows requires an Additional Animals Permit (RMC 4-9-100); fees for that permit are set by the City's Fee Schedule Brochure.
At-large prohibition: Separately, Renton's animal-at-large chapter makes it unlawful for an owner to let an animal (including fowl) run at large off the owner's property (RMC Chapter 6-6).

Where this comes from

Keeping a flock happy in Renton

🌡️ Climate

Marine West Coast (Köppen Csb/Cfb) — USDA Hardiness Zone 8b

Renton sits in the mild, wet Puget Sound lowlands with cool, rainy winters and dry, mild summers. Coop ventilation and dry bedding management are more important for moisture control than for extreme cold, and good drainage in the run helps prevent muddy conditions during the long rainy season.

🦝 Who's after your hens

RaccoonHawkCoyoteOpossumSkunk

The Puget Sound/King County area has healthy urban-adjacent populations of raccoons and coyotes, along with red-tailed hawks and other raptors, opossums, and skunks — all of which are known to target backyard flocks. Secure, fully-enclosed runs with hardware cloth (not chicken wire) and a covered top are recommended given local hawk activity.

🐔 Breeds that do well here

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

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

Questions people ask about Renton

▸How many chickens can I keep in Renton?

Chickens fall under Renton's "Small Lot Domestic Animals" category. You may generally keep 3 on a lot of at least 4,500 gross square feet, with 1 additional bird allowed for every additional 1,000 square feet of lot size (RMC 4-4-010(G)(2)).

▸Are roosters allowed in Renton?

No. Renton's code specifically prohibits the keeping of roosters (as well as peahens/peacocks) anywhere in the city (RMC 4-4-010(E); RMC 6-6-12(B)).

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

No permit is required to keep chickens within the generally allowed lot-size formula. If you want to keep more birds than that formula allows, you must apply for an Additional Animals Permit under RMC 4-9-100.

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

Shelters and pens (including chicken coops) must be located in the rear yard and set back at least 10 feet from any property line, per RMC 4-4-010(J)(1). A side-yard location may be approved administratively in some cases.

▸Can my chickens free-range or run loose in my neighborhood?

No. Renton's animal-at-large provisions in Chapter 6-6 RMC make it unlawful for an owner to allow an animal, including fowl, to be at large off the owner's property.

City rules change, and this page is a summary rather than legal advice. Please confirm with Renton or your HOA before you order – and call us on (559) 321-7271 if you'd like a hand. Last checked October 2, 2026.