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Clackamas County, OR Animal Ordinances: Chickens & Livestock (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified July 2026

Key Facts

Governed by
County ZDO zoning district
Chickens/roosters
Allowed in rural areas
Urban/residential zones
Restricted (ZDO 821)
Livestock districts
RA-1, RA-2, RR, RRFF-5, FF-10
Right-to-farm
ORS 30.930-30.947

Summary

In unincorporated Clackamas County, chickens and roosters are allowed in rural areas but restricted in urban and residential zones. Keeping poultry and livestock is a zoning matter under the county Zoning & Development Ordinance (ZDO). Cities set their own backyard-chicken rules.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Clackamas County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

Chickens and roosters are allowed in all rural areas of the county, but there are restrictions in urban areas and/or residential zoning districts.

View official code

Full Breakdown

The county's code-enforcement guidance states chickens and roosters are allowed in all rural areas but are restricted in urban and residential zoning districts (see ZDO Section 821). Livestock is permitted as a farm use in the RA-2, RRFF-5, FF-10 and FU-10 districts and as a 'livestock' use in the RA-1 and RR districts under ZDO Section 316. On land zoned for farm or forest use, established farming practices are protected by Oregon's Right to Farm law (ORS 30.930-30.947). Whether a specific parcel may keep poultry or livestock depends on its zoning district; residents should confirm with Planning & Zoning (503-742-4500). Incorporated cities have their own poultry ordinances.

Violations & Fines

Keeping poultry or livestock in a zone where it is not an allowed use is a land-use/zoning violation enforced by the county Planning & Zoning and Code Enforcement divisions, subject to notice, abatement and code-enforcement penalties.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I keep backyard chickens in unincorporated Clackamas County?
Chickens and roosters are allowed in rural areas but restricted in urban and residential zones. Check your parcel's zoning district with Planning & Zoning (503-742-4500) before adding a flock.
Where is livestock allowed?
Livestock is a permitted use in the rural RA-1, RA-2, RR, RRFF-5, FF-10 and FU-10 districts under ZDO Section 316; standard urban residential zones do not allow it.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Clackamas County

Noise Ordinances: Construction HoursSome RestrictionsDog Leash LawsSome RestrictionsPet LimitsSome RestrictionsBird ProtectionHeavy RestrictionsCat RulesSome RestrictionsBreed RestrictionsSignificant RestrictionsMicrochippingSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Aircraft NoiseFew RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Leaf Blower RulesSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Vehicle NoiseSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor SoundSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Decibel LimitsSome Restrictions

All Clackamas County rules

How Clackamas County compares: Best Cities for Backyard Chickens·Compare Clackamas County to another location·View the Oregon animal ordinances overview

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