Lacey, WA Animal Ordinances: Chickens & Livestock (2026)

Section 16.21.015 of the Lacey Municipal Code allows limited animal husbandry as an accessory use to a residence in the City of Lacey, Thurston County. On a residential lot under one acre, the maximum number of fowl is one per 1,000 square feet of lot area, up to a maximum of ten. Roosters, geese, turkeys, peacocks and exotic species are prohibited. Structures housing fowl or rabbits must sit 10 feet from property lines and no closer to the front property line than a dwelling, and they must be designed to prevent rodents by raising the floor 8 to 12 inches above grade, using portable pens moved every few days with ground cleanup, or other techniques with similar results.

Rabbits are held to American Rabbit Breeders Association recommendations and at least 3.5 square feet of hutch space per rabbit, up to two dozen rabbits. Miniature goats (pygmy, dwarf and miniature) require neutered males and a lot of at least 7,500 square feet, at a ratio of four miniature goats per acre. Other poultry and small animals not named in the code can be permitted or prohibited at the sole discretion of the director of community and economic development, based on written findings. Cows, horses, sheep and similar large farm animals are not permitted on lots under one acre.

On lots or parcels of one acre or more, livestock is allowed at no more than one head per half acre of lot area, with barns or shelters set back at least 35 feet from all property lines. Urban agricultural uses there must employ best management practices, such as a farm plan developed by the Thurston Conservation District. Selling eggs or other products commercially requires compliance with the FDA food code, Chapter 246-215 WAC, and the home occupation rules of Chapter 16.69 LMC. In the Low Density Residential District, section 16.13.030 separately prohibits kennels.