Thurston County, WA Animal Ordinances: Chickens & Livestock (2026)
Key Facts
- Under 1 acre
- large livestock not allowed
- 1+ acre lots
- 1 head per half acre
- Shelter setback
- 35 feet from property lines
- Applies to
- unincorporated Lacey growth area
Summary
In the unincorporated Lacey urban growth area, cows, horses, sheep and standard goats can't go on residential lots under one acre; on larger lots, livestock is capped at one head per half acre.
4. Cows, horses, sheep, non-miniature goats, swine (other than potbelly pigs), and other similar large farm animals are not allowed as an accessory use on lots less than one acre in size. ... 2. On lots or parcels of one acre or more, livestock or large farm animals may be kept; provided, that the number of head of livestock shall not exceed one for each half acre of lot area; and further that barns or other structures for the housing or sheltering thereof be set back not less than thirty-five feet from all property lines.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 77).
Full Breakdown
Thurston County's urban agriculture rules for the unincorporated Lacey growth area split residential lots by size. Under one acre, only small farm animals qualify, chickens, rabbits, miniature goats and one miniature potbelly pig under specific limits, while cows, horses, sheep, non-miniature goats and swine are barred outright. On lots one acre or larger, standard livestock is allowed but capped at one head per half acre of lot area, with barns or shelters set back at least 35 feet from every property line and animals kept in a fenced area sized for exercise.
Violations & Fines
Code enforcement can order removal of animals exceeding the density cap or barred species, and require setback compliance for shelters; continued noncompliance is a civil infraction under the county's general zoning enforcement provisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep a horse on a half-acre lot near Lacey?
How many cows can I keep on 2 acres?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Thurston County
How Thurston County compares: Best Cities for Backyard Chickens·Compare Thurston County to another location·View the Washington animal ordinances overview
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