Can I keep chickens in Tacoma, WA?
Yes — Tacoma allows backyard chickens, up to 6 hens with no permit required. Roosters are prohibited, and coops must be at least 12 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (TMC 5.30.010, verified July 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Yes |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | 6 |
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Permit required | No |
| Coop setback | 12 ft |
| Coop rules | Cage/coop at least 12 ft from nearest residence, behind front wall of main building, outside required side-yard setback; coops over 200 sq ft need a building permit. |
| Code section | TMC 5.30.010 |
Tacoma allows up to 6 adult poultry per parcel, or up to 10 with written consent from all owners of residences within 50 ft, plus 1 additional bird per 5,000 sq ft over 10,000 sq ft. Roosters banned citywide. No keeping permit required.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Tacoma?
Yes — chickens are allowed in Tacoma (TMC 5.30.010).
How many chickens can I keep in Tacoma?
Up to 6 hens.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Tacoma?
No — no permit is required for the base allowance in Tacoma.
Are roosters allowed in Tacoma?
No — roosters are prohibited in Tacoma.
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in Tacoma?
12 feet minimum. Cage/coop at least 12 ft from nearest residence, behind front wall of main building, outside required side-yard setback; coops over 200 sq ft need a building permit.
What law covers backyard chickens in Tacoma?
TMC 5.30.010. Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
TMC 5.30.010 — read the official code
“No more than 6 adult poultry and 6 pigeons are allowed per parcel ... up to 10 adult poultry ... with written consent from all owners ... within 50 feet.” source
“it is a violation for any person to own, possess, or harbor a rooster within the City limits.” source
“Animal enclosures such as a cage or coop shall be set back a minimum of 12 feet from the nearest portion of any residence.” source
Last verified July 7, 2026. Always confirm with your municipality — HOA rules can be stricter than city code. How we verify →
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