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

Bellingham's residential animal-keeping rules live in Chapter 7.12 of the Bellingham Municipal Code (Control of Other Animals), with BMC 7.12.060 as the central provision. The ordinance permits any person to keep animals including horses, cattle, sheep, goats, and domesticated fowl such as chickens, ducks, geese, turkeys, and peafowl inside the city limits PROVIDED the animal is securely confined in (a) a stable or building, (b) an enclosure surrounded by a secure fence of sufficient height and strength, or (c) staked out in a vacant lot in such a manner that it is effectively prevented from (i) getting onto any street or public place AND (ii) getting within FIFTY (50) FEET of any dwelling or other building in which persons work or are accustomed to be. The 50-foot setback is measured from the coop/enclosure to the neighbor's dwelling, not to the property line, which gives most standard Bellingham residential lots usable backyard space for a small coop. The same section also requires that any place where fowl or animals are kept be maintained at all times in a sanitary condition, that the animal be provided with suitable dry housing, wholesome food, and clean water, and that the keeper not leave the premises for more than 24 hours without providing for the animal's care. Bellingham does NOT cap hens at any specific number and does NOT prohibit roosters by ordinance - though crowing roosters readily generate nuisance complaints under BMC 7.12 sanitation rules and Title 10 noise provisions. BMC 7.12.060 violations are infractions punishable by a fine not to exceed $250.00. Zoning is the second layer: the Bellingham Land Use Code (BMC Title 20) governs whether a coop is allowed as an accessory structure in a particular zoning district, with required setbacks from property lines for accessory buildings independent of the 50-foot dwelling-setback rule. Animal Control in Bellingham is handled by the Whatcom Humane Society under contract with the City; field calls go through the Whatcom Humane Society Animal Control number (360-733-2080) or the non-emergency police line. The Whatcom County Health Department oversees water-supply and sanitation issues for larger operations.