Issaquah, WA Animal Ordinances: Chickens & Livestock (2026)
Key Facts
- Minimum lot for chickens
- 6,000 square feet, residential lots
- Flock size
- Three on 6,000 square feet; one more per 2,000 square feet extra
- Roosters
- Prohibited (male chickens over 30 days old)
- Shelter setback
- 25 feet from property lines
- Run setback
- 10 feet from all property lines
- Shelter size
- Two square feet per chicken, six feet maximum height
- Livestock
- Subject to listed King County Code sections
Summary
In Issaquah, domestic chickens, hens and pullets are permitted on residential lots of at least 6,000 square feet, with up to three birds and one more for every 2,000 square feet of additional lot area. Roosters are prohibited. Shelters sit at least 25 feet from property lines and runs at least 10 feet. Livestock keeping follows the King County Code sections listed in LUC 18.518.030(C).
C. The raising, keeping, breeding, or fee boarding of livestock are subject to the following King County Code sections, as now existing or hereafter amended: ... 5. Possession of roosters (male chickens with an age of over 30 days old) is prohibited. ... F. Domestic Chicken, Hen, or Pullet Ownership. Domestic chickens, hens, and pullets are permitted on all residential lots of at minimum 6,000 square feet subject to the following conditions of land and ownership: 1. Lots of at least 6,000 square feet may have up to three chickens. One additional chicken is permitted for every 2,000 square feet of additional lot area. 2. Chickens shall be provided with a fenced chicken run that is set back a minimum of 10 feet from all property lines. ... 4. Chickens must have a clean, well maintained dwelling shelter. a. Dwelling shelters must be located within the rear or side yards. b. Dwelling shelters shall be set back a minimum of 25 feet from property lines. c. Dwelling shelters shall have a minimum of two square feet per chicken. Shelters shall have a height no greater than six feet.
Full Breakdown
LUC 18.518.030 states its intent plainly: animals must be kept in a manner that does not impact adjacent property owners. Subsection F is the backyard chicken rule. Domestic chickens, hens and pullets are permitted on all residential lots of at minimum 6,000 square feet. A lot of at least 6,000 square feet can have up to three chickens, and one additional chicken is permitted for every 2,000 square feet of additional lot area. Roosters, defined as male chickens over 30 days old, are prohibited by subsection D.5.
The housing and run standards are specific. Chickens must have a fenced chicken run set back a minimum of 10 feet from all property lines, built with sturdy materials around the perimeter. Chicken feed storage cannot be in the front yard and must be weather and rodent resistant. The dwelling shelter must be clean and well maintained, located in the rear or side yard, set back a minimum of 25 feet from property lines, at least two square feet per chicken, and no taller than six feet. It must be fully enclosed with walls, roof, floor and a securable door, built of weather resistant and sturdy materials such as plywood, and rodent prevention requires limiting points of uncontrolled access to no larger than one-half inch.
Animal waste must be disposed of properly. Accumulated waste cannot be stored within required building setbacks and must go in an enclosed container. Failure to meet the waste requirements is a nuisance violation under IMC 8.06.040, enforced under IMC 8.45.040.
Livestock is handled by reference. The raising, keeping, breeding or fee boarding of livestock is subject to ten King County Code sections, from KCC 21A.30.030 (purpose) and 21A.30.040 (densities) through 21A.30.060 (management standards), 21A.30.062 (building requirements), 21A.30.068 (waste disposal) and 21A.30.075 (livestock interdisciplinary teams), each as now existing or hereafter amended. The Issaquah code does not reprint those county limits. Household pets inside a dwelling unit are tied to KCC 21A.30.020, Animal Regulations, Small Animals.
Violations & Fines
Waste violations are treated as a nuisance under IMC 8.06.040 and enforced under IMC 8.45.040, which starts with voluntary correction. Other breaches of the chicken standards are civil violations under Chapter 8.45 IMC: the Code Enforcement Officer can issue a notice of violation and order with a cumulative $250.00 penalty per day under IMC 8.45.120, and up to $500.00 per day for a repeat violation within 2 years.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many chickens can I keep in Issaquah?
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Sources & Official References
Other rules in Issaquah
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