Backyard chickens in Vancouver, Washington

Yes. Under Vancouver Municipal Code § 20.895.050(B)(5), the keeping of chickens is a permitted use in all zoning districts "with no required minimum lot size." However, the same subsection explicitly states that no roosters are permitted, along with a ban on turkeys and peacocks. The ordinance does not set a specific numeric cap on the number of hens a household may keep, and the city's own review of Washington poultry rules confirms Vancouver allows chickens without requiring a poultry-specific permit.

Vancouver, WA has a mild, wet marine climate with cool, rainy winters and warm, dry summers. Coops should prioritize good drainage, ventilation, and moisture control to prevent frostbite and respiratory issues during the damp winter months, while summer design should allow for airflow during occasional hot, dry spells.

Raccoons and opossums are common nighttime backyard visitors in Vancouver, WA neighborhoods, and red-tailed hawks and other birds of prey patrol overhead, especially near greenbelts. Coyotes have become established in and around Clark County's urban growth areas, and foxes are occasionally seen in outlying neighborhoods, so secure, roofed runs with buried hardware cloth are recommended.