Hillsboro, OR Animal Ordinances: Chickens & Livestock (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit
- required before keeping livestock
- Standard livestock
- barred on residential lots
- Miniature livestock cap
- 0-2 by lot size
- Enclosure setback
- 15+ feet from property line
- Non-compliance
- permit citation/revocation
Summary
Hillsboro requires a City-approved livestock permit before keeping any livestock under HMC 6.20.070, bans standard livestock like horses or cows on residential lots outright, and caps miniature livestock at 2 animals with a 15-foot enclosure setback.
B. Permitting. Prior to keeping livestock, a keeper must: 1. Submit a livestock permit on a form provided by the City demonstrating compliance with the standards of this subchapter. Incomplete permits or permits submitted without the fee under HMC 6.20.070(B)(2), will be denied; ... c. All portions of an enclosure for miniature livestock are to be located a minimum of 15 feet from any property line;
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Municipal Code: Supplement 1 | Community Development Code: Supplement 1).
Full Breakdown
Hillsboro Municipal Code § 6.20.070 governs livestock generally, apart from its poultry provisions. Before keeping any livestock, an owner must submit a livestock permit application, pay a nonrefundable fee set by Council resolution, and get the City Manager's approval; the permit can be revoked for non-compliance. The section's livestock table sets a tighter cap for miniature livestock than poultry, 0 on the smallest residential lots, up to 2 on larger ones, and bars standard livestock (larger farm animals such as horses or cattle) from single-family residential lots at every lot size. Miniature livestock enclosures must sit behind the home's front building plane and at least 15 feet from any property line, with dedicated outdoor space and secure, sanitary containment.
Violations & Fines
Keeping livestock without an approved permit, exceeding the miniature-livestock cap, keeping standard livestock on a residential lot, or placing an enclosure under 15 feet from a property line violates HMC 6.20.070 and can trigger citation or permit revocation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep a horse or cow in Hillsboro?
Can I keep a miniature goat or pig?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Hillsboro
How Hillsboro compares: Best Cities for Backyard Chickens·Compare Hillsboro to another location·View the Oregon animal ordinances overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Chickens & Livestock in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Washington County handle chickens & livestock.