Backyard chickens and small livestock are allowed in unincorporated Pierce County, with limits scaled to lot size under zoning code PCC 18A.37.060. On lots under one-half acre, up to five small animals are allowed and roosters are prohibited; lots five acres or larger have no numeric limit.
Keeping poultry and livestock is regulated by Pierce County's zoning code (Title 18A), not the animal-control title. PCC 18A.37.060 (Animals, under Accessory Development – Residential) tiers the allowance by parcel size. For lots less than one-half acre: two small livestock (all other livestock prohibited) and 'five or fewer small animals, excluding dogs and cats... Roosters, peacocks, and male turkeys are prohibited.' For lots from one-half acre to under five acres: twelve or fewer small animals per acre, with roosters, peacocks, and male turkeys still prohibited on lots under one acre. For lots five acres or greater, there is 'no restriction on the number of livestock and small animals kept.' Enclosures (coops, cages, barns) may not sit in a front yard
Exceeding the lot-size animal limits, keeping a prohibited rooster/peacock/male turkey on a small lot, violating setbacks, or letting manure accumulate as a nuisance violates PCC 18A.37.060 and is enforced by Pierce County Planning & Public Works code enforcement, which can
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