Backyard chickens in Seattle, Washington

Yes, keeping backyard chickens is legal in Seattle. Under the Seattle Municipal Code (SMC 23.42.052, "Keeping of Animals"), up to eight domestic fowl may be kept on any residential lot, in addition to the small animals (dogs/cats) otherwise permitted. On lots larger than 10,000 square feet that include a community garden or urban farm, one additional fowl is allowed for every 1,000 square feet of lot area over 10,000 square feet. Roosters are not permitted anywhere in the city. No permit is required simply to keep the allowed number of hens, though violating the numeric limit carries a fine.

Seattle has mild, wet winters and cool, dry summers, with high humidity and frequent rain from October through April. Coops should prioritize excellent ventilation and dry bedding to prevent moisture buildup and frostbite risk in winter, since temperatures rarely drop far below freezing but dampness is a near-constant challenge.

Raccoons are the most persistent nighttime threat in Seattle's urban and suburban neighborhoods, often testing coop latches repeatedly until they find a weakness. Hawks (including Cooper's hawks) hunt free-ranging birds during the day, especially in yards near green belts or parks, while coyotes and opossums are increasingly seen even in city neighborhoods bordering parks and greenbelts. A secure, roofed run with hardware cloth and sturdy, raccoon-proof latches is strongly recommended.