Marysville, WA Animal Ordinances: Chickens & Livestock (2026)
Key Facts
- Small-lot cap
- 1 bird/1,000 sq ft or 20
- Large-lot cap
- None over one acre
- Roosters
- Prohibited on all lots
- Coop setback
- 20 feet from neighboring homes
Summary
Marysville households may keep fowl in residential yards without a special permit, but numeric caps apply: one bird per 1,000 square feet or 20 birds, whichever is less, on lots under an acre, and roosters are banned outright.
The keeping of fowl for personal use of the household shall be permitted subject to the following: ... Lots less than one acre: One fowl allowed per 1,000 square feet of property or 20 fowl, whichever is less. ... The following fowl types are limited to a total of three of any combination of: geese, turkeys, and pigeons. ... The following fowl types are prohibited: roosters, peafowl, and guinea fowl.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4922912; v1 updated 2026-06-08; through 06-08-2026).
Full Breakdown
MMC § 10.04.315 lets households keep fowl for personal use. On lots under one acre the cap is one fowl per 1,000 square feet or 20 birds, whichever is less; geese, turkeys, and pigeons are capped at three combined; and roosters, peafowl, and guinea fowl are prohibited outright on any lot. Lots over one acre carry no numeric limit. Shelters and pens must sit in the rear yard, set back at least 20 feet from neighboring occupied homes, and be kept clean and odor-free. 'Fowl' is defined at MMC § 10.04.020 to include chickens, turkeys, ducks, and pigeons, but excludes pet parrots and canaries.
Violations & Fines
Keeping more fowl than the lot allows, housing a rooster, peafowl, or guinea fowl, or placing a coop closer than 20 feet to a neighbor's home is a violation the animal control officer can cite and order corrected.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep a rooster in Marysville?
How many chickens can I keep on a normal city lot?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Marysville
How Marysville compares: Best Cities for Backyard Chickens·Compare Marysville to another location·View the Washington animal ordinances overview
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