Auburn, WA Animal Ordinances: Chickens & Livestock (2026)

Auburn City Code 18.31.220 (Permitted animals) governs backyard chickens, ducks, and other domestic fowl in most residential zones. The base allowance is four domestic fowl on a lot of at least 6,000 square feet. For each additional 2,000 square feet above the base, one more bird is permitted, up to a maximum of ten birds per lot. The cap does not apply in RC (Residential Conservancy) or R-1 (one dwelling per acre) zones where larger flocks are permitted. Coops, pens, runs, or any structure or yard area housing domestic fowl must be located entirely in the rear yard (behind the extension of the rear facade of the principal dwelling) and must be set back at least 10 feet from the rear and side property lines. Roosters are not flatly banned but routinely trigger ACC 6.02.140 public disturbance complaints; in practice most Auburn hens-only backyards avoid roosters to stay compliant. Slaughter on residential lots is not expressly prohibited by code but is discouraged and subject to health rules. Poultry must be confined and not roam at large.