Backyard Chickens in Spokane Valley, Washington

Can you keep chickens in Spokane Valley?

Thinking about raising a backyard flock in Spokane Valley, Washington? The city permits hens in residential zones, but with specific per-lot limits, a rooster ban, and defined setback rules you'll want to know before you build a coop.

Yes – with conditions

Yes, backyard chickens are allowed in Spokane Valley. Under Spokane Valley Municipal Code (SVMC) § 19.65.020(A)(7), chicken keeping is a permitted supplemental use in residential areas, subject to lot-size, setback, and containment conditions.

Read the ordinance ↗

The rules at a glance

Hens in city limits: Allowed
How many hens: 25
Roosters: No
Permit required: No
Permit cost: Not specified
Setback from property line: 25 ft.

Peggy knows Spokane Valley

The rules, straight from the municipal code.

Per SVMC § 19.65.020(A)(7), in residential areas the keeping of chickens is subject to the following:

A maximum of one chicken may be raised or kept per 2,000 gross square feet of lot area, with a maximum of 25 birds allowed.
The keeping of roosters is prohibited.
Pens, coops, hutches, or similar containment structures must be kept a minimum of 20 feet from the front property line and 5 feet from side and rear property lines.
Pens, coops, hutches, or similar structures must be kept a minimum of 25 feet from dwellings on neighboring properties.
All chickens must be contained within the subject property.
Under SVMC § 19.65.020(A)(8), all coops, pens, and enclosures must be kept in a clean and sanitary condition.

Note: separate, larger-lot rules (one-acre minimum, 75-foot dwelling setback) under SVMC § 19.65.020(A)(1)-(6) apply to other poultry/livestock (ducks, turkeys, geese, rabbits, etc.) but NOT to chickens, which are governed specifically by subsection (A)(7) above.

Where this comes from

Keeping a flock happy in Spokane Valley

🌡️ Climate

USDA Zone 6b/7a

Spokane Valley sits in USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 6b to 7a, with a continental climate east of the Cascades that produces cold, snowy winters and warm, dry summers. Coop insulation and wind protection are important for winter, while shade and ventilation matter in summer.

🦝 Who's after your hens

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Spokane Valley's mix of suburban and semi-rural terrain along the Spokane River corridor supports raccoons, foxes, coyotes, skunks, and birds of prey such as hawks, all of which can threaten unprotected flocks. Secure, covered runs and predator-proof latches are recommended.

🐔 Breeds that do well here

Cold-hardy, dual-purpose breeds do well here, such as Plymouth Rock, Orpington, Wyandotte, Australorp, and Rhode Island Red.

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

Questions people ask about Spokane Valley

▸How many chickens can I keep in Spokane Valley?

Up to one chicken per 2,000 square feet of lot area, with an overall cap of 25 birds per SVMC § 19.65.020(A)(7)(a).

▸Are roosters allowed in Spokane Valley?

No. SVMC § 19.65.020(A)(7)(b) specifically prohibits the keeping of roosters in residential areas.

▸How far must a chicken coop be from property lines and neighboring homes?

Coops must be at least 20 feet from the front property line, 5 feet from side and rear property lines, and 25 feet from dwellings on neighboring properties (SVMC § 19.65.020(A)(7)(c)-(d)).

▸Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Spokane Valley?

The municipal code lists chicken-keeping as a permitted use subject to the size, setback, and containment standards in SVMC § 19.65.020(A)(7); no separate chicken-keeping permit is specified in that section.

▸Can my chickens roam onto neighboring properties?

No. SVMC § 19.65.020(A)(7)(e) requires that all chickens be contained within the subject property.

City rules change, and this page is a summary rather than legal advice. Please confirm with Spokane Valley or your HOA before you order – and call us on (559) 321-7271 if you'd like a hand. Last checked September 14, 2026.