Does Yakima County, WA have its own chickens & livestock ordinance?

No. Yakima County, WA does not appear to have a local chickens & livestock ordinance, Washington state law applies instead. The rules summarized on this page come from Revised Code of Washington.

Key Facts Ordinance Text Full Breakdown Violations FAQ Sources More in Yakima County

Yakima County, WA Animal Ordinances: Chickens & Livestock (2026)

Some Restrictions

Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Unincorporated County: Broadly permissive
City of Yakima: Four hens max
Roosters: Prohibited in city
City Coop Setback: Ten feet
State Law: Right to Farm protection

Summary

Rural, unincorporated Yakima County is permissive about poultry and livestock on agricultural and larger-lot land. The City of Yakima allows up to four hens and no roosters, with coop setbacks. Washington's Right to Farm law shields established farms.

City-specific rules exist: Yakima has its own chickens & livestock rules that differ from Yakima County's county-level regulations. If you live in Yakima, check the city-specific page instead.

Agricultural activities conducted on farmland and forest practices, if consistent with good agricultural and forest practices and established prior to surrounding nonagricultural and nonforestry activities, are presumed to be reasonable and shall not be found to constitute a nuisance unless the activity or practice has a substantial adverse effect on public health and safety.

Source: Revised Code of WashingtonView official code

Full Breakdown

Yakima County is a major agricultural region, so livestock and poultry are broadly allowed on farm and larger-lot land in the unincorporated county, subject to zoning and nuisance limits. Rules tighten inside cities: the City of Yakima permits up to four hen chickens, prohibits roosters, and requires coops set back at least ten feet from any residence or property line and five feet from other structures, kept in the backyard. Above local rules, Washington's Right to Farm Act (RCW 7.48.305) presumes established agricultural activities reasonable and protects them from nuisance suits absent a substantial public health or safety effect.

Violations & Fines

Keeping poultry or livestock against city or county zoning, or in unsanitary, odor- or noise-producing conditions, draws a code-enforcement or nuisance notice and fines; roosters in the city must be removed.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many chickens can I keep?

In the City of Yakima, up to four hens and no roosters. Unincorporated agricultural and larger-lot land is far more permissive; check your zoning district and any city limits.

Are my farm animals protected from complaints?

Washington's Right to Farm Act presumes established agricultural activities reasonable and shields them from nuisance suits unless they substantially affect public health or safety.

Sources & Official References

[1]Revised Code of Washington

Other rules in Yakima County

Dog Leash LawsSome Restrictions Fence Regulations: Height LimitsSome Restrictions Exotic PetsHeavy Restrictions BeekeepingSome Restrictions MicrochippingLight Restrictions Breed RestrictionsSignificant Restrictions Pet LimitsSome Restrictions Veterinary Clinic ZoningSignificant Restrictions Parking Rules: Loading ZonesSome Restrictions Parking Rules: Driveway RulesSome Restrictions Parking Rules: EV ChargingSome Restrictions Fence Regulations: Retaining WallsSome Restrictions Fire Regulations: Propane StorageSome Restrictions

All Yakima County rules

How Yakima County compares: Best Cities for Backyard Chickens·Compare Yakima County to another location·View the Washington animal ordinances overview

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Chickens & Livestock in Cities Across Yakima County

Yakima, WA