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

The chicken schedule sits in the residential uses section, BMC 12.06.140(B)(2)(e). No chickens can be kept on properties less than 5,000 square feet or on properties in the R-M4, DT, DN, DC, GDC, 522 and R-AC zoning classifications, except that a property in those zones containing one single-family residence can keep the number of chickens the schedule allows. The schedule is up to five total adult chickens on 5,000 to 7,200 square feet, up to eight on 7,200 to 35,000 square feet, and on lots larger than 35,000 square feet, eight plus one additional adult chicken for each 1,000 square feet of additional lot area. Chicks less than 30 days old do not count toward the adult total. Adult roosters are prohibited. Coops, sheds and chicken tractors must be set back per the accessory setback requirements of Chapter 12.14 BMC.

The lead-in to condition 2 adds general duties: animal keeping shall not constitute a public nuisance, suitable structures or fences must restrain animals from leaving the premises, and animals other than and in excess of those permitted by the title require a conditional use permit. The same list allows three or fewer adult non-chicken fowl per dwelling unit.

Livestock fall under BMC 12.06.030. Raising animals for agricultural purposes is permitted in R-C, R-L1/RL2, R-M1 through R-M3, R-M4, AG and R-AC. Large livestock such as horses, cows and llamas need one-half acre per animal and a one acre minimum lot. Small livestock such as sheep, pigs and goats need 7,000 square feet per animal and a one acre minimum lot. Poultry other than chickens, and small animals such as rabbits, need one animal per one square foot of housing structure, up to 2,000 square feet, on at least one-half acre. No stable, shed or coop (bees excepted) can sit closer than 20 feet from any exterior property line.