Backyard Chickens in Tacoma, Washington

Can you keep chickens in Tacoma?

Dreaming of fresh eggs in the City of Destiny? Tacoma welcomes backyard chicken keepers, allowing up to 6 hens per residential parcel (10 with neighbor consent) — no permit needed for the birds themselves, just a well-placed, code-compliant coop.

Yes – with conditions

Yes. The City of Tacoma allows residents to keep chickens and other domestic poultry in residential areas. Per Tacoma Municipal Code (TMC) Chapter 5.30 (Poultry and Pigeons), up to 6 adult poultry (plus up to 6 pigeons) are allowed per parcel. Roosters, however, are strictly prohibited citywide under TMC 17.02.041, which is titled "Roosters prohibited."

Read the ordinance ↗

The rules at a glance

Hens in city limits: Allowed
How many hens: 6
Roosters: No
Permit required: No
Permit cost: Not specified
Setback from property line: 12 ft.

Peggy knows Tacoma

The rules, straight from the municipal code.

Under TMC Chapter 5.30, coops/cages for chickens and other poultry must be:

Located at least 12 feet from the nearest portion of any residence, dwelling, hotel, apartment house, or rooming house
Located behind the front wall of the main building on the parcel
Located outside of the required side yard setback area of the main building
Less than 200 square feet in size to be exempt from needing a separate building permit (larger coops require a building permit)

Flock size exception: While the base limit is 6 adult poultry (and 6 pigeons) per parcel, an owner may keep up to 10 adult poultry and 10 pigeons if written consent is obtained from all property owners within 50 feet of where the birds are kept, and that consent is filed with the City Clerk's Office. One additional bird is allowed for each 5,000 square feet of lot area in excess of 10,000 square feet.

Chickens and other poultry may not run freely in streets, alleys, or public places within the City. Coops/barns must also comply with the City's detached accessory building standards.

Where this comes from

Keeping a flock happy in Tacoma

🌡️ Climate

USDA Hardiness Zone 8b (Marine West Coast / Warm-Summer Mediterranean)

Tacoma sits in USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 8b, with mild, wet winters and dry, mild summers typical of the Puget Sound region. Extreme cold snaps are rare, but the near-constant fall/winter rainfall means coop ventilation and dry bedding (e.g., a deep-litter system) are important to prevent moisture-related issues like frostbite and respiratory illness in flocks.

🦝 Who's after your hens

RaccoonHawkCoyoteOpossumSkunk

Tacoma's mix of urban and green-belt terrain means backyard flocks face raccoons, opossums, and skunks raiding coops at night, along with hawks (including red-tailed hawks) hunting from above during the day. Coyotes are also present in and around Tacoma's parks and greenbelts, making fully enclosed, secure runs important.

🐔 Breeds that do well here

Orpington, Australorp, Plymouth Rock, Wyandotte, Rhode Island Red — all cold- and damp-hardy dual-purpose breeds well suited to the Pacific Northwest's mild but wet climate.

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

Questions people ask about Tacoma

▸Can I keep a rooster in Tacoma?

No. Roosters are prohibited within Tacoma city limits under TMC 17.02.041.

▸How many chickens can I have in Tacoma?

Up to 6 adult poultry per parcel by default. With written consent from all property owners within 50 feet, filed with the City Clerk's Office, you may keep up to 10 adult poultry (and 10 pigeons). Lots over 10,000 square feet get one additional bird per extra 5,000 square feet.

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

No permit is required simply to keep chickens. However, if your coop is 200 square feet or larger, you will need a building permit for the structure itself.

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

Coops must be located at least 12 feet from the nearest portion of any neighboring residence, dwelling, hotel, apartment house, or rooming house, and must sit behind the front wall of the main building and outside required side yard setbacks.

▸Can my chickens free-range in my yard?

Chickens can be kept in your yard, but the City prohibits poultry from running freely in streets, alleys, or public places within Tacoma.

City rules change, and this page is a summary rather than legal advice. Please confirm with Tacoma or your HOA before you order – and call us on (559) 321-7271 if you'd like a hand. Last checked September 8, 2026.