Washington County, OR Animal Ordinances: Chickens & Livestock (2026)

Washington County Community Development Code governs animal-keeping by zone. In urban residential districts (R-5, R-6, R-9, R-15, R-24) a limited number of hens — commonly up to 4-6 depending on lot size — is permitted as an accessory use, with no roosters allowed due to noise. Coops must meet accessory-structure setbacks (typically 5 feet side/rear, more in some HOA neighborhoods) and cannot create nuisance odor or vector conditions. Within Beaverton (BC 6.02) residents may keep up to 4 hens on lots under 10,000 sq ft; Hillsboro (HMC 6.04) allows up to 6 hens with permit; Tigard (TMC 6.02) allows chickens as accessory to single-family housing. Larger livestock (goats, sheep, horses, cattle, pigs) requires AF-5 (minimum 5-acre Agriculture & Forestry), AF-10, AF-20, or EFU zoning. These zones also receive full Oregon Right to Farm Act protection under ORS 30.930-30.947, which bars nuisance suits against established farming practices. Beekeeping is allowed countywide under Oregon Department of Agriculture rules (ORS Chapter 602, apiary registration required for 5+ hives). Helvetia, Scholls, and North Plains areas are heavily EFU and livestock-compatible.