Olympia, WA Animal Ordinances: Chickens & Livestock (2026)
Key Facts
- Lot of one-quarter acre or less
- Up to five ducks or female chickens
- Lot over one-quarter acre to one acre
- Up to nine ducks or female chickens
- Roosters
- Prohibited, along with geese, peacocks, and similar loud fowl
- Enclosure distance
- At least 10 feet from all property lines
- Miniature goats
- Up to two on lots from 5,000 square feet to one acre
- Governing section
- OMC § 18.04.060(KK)
Summary
In the City of Olympia, Washington, a lot of one-quarter acre or smaller can keep up to five ducks or female chickens, with larger lots allowed more by a printed lot-size scale. Roosters, geese, peacocks, and similar loud fowl are prohibited, and animal enclosures must sit at least 10 feet from all property lines under OMC § 18.04.060(KK).
KK. AGRICULTURE. ... Agricultural uses, as defined in OMC 18.02.180, are allowed as a primary or accessory use in all zoning districts except Auto Services and Industrial zones, pursuant to the following: ... 2. Lots one-quarter acre and smaller are allowed up to five ducks or female chickens. Lots between one-quarter acre and one acre are allowed up to nine ducks or female chickens. Lots one acre and larger are allowed up to ten ducks or female chickens plus one additional duck or female chicken for every additional one thousand square feet of lot area up to two acres. a. Chickens and ducks must be confined within a suitably fenced area large enough for appropriate exercise. b. Roosters, geese, peacocks, and other similar loud fowl are prohibited. ... 4. Agricultural animal enclosures, both temporary and permanent, must be no less than 10 feet from all property lines and are not permitted in setback areas.
Full Breakdown
Olympia regulates backyard poultry and small livestock as an agricultural use under OMC § 18.04.060, subsection KK. Agricultural uses are allowed as a primary or accessory use in all zoning districts except Auto Services and Industrial zones. Lots two acres in size and larger are allowed one USDA Animal Unit per acre.
For smaller lots the code prints a poultry scale. Lots one-quarter acre and smaller are allowed up to five ducks or female chickens. Lots between one-quarter acre and one acre are allowed up to nine ducks or female chickens. Lots one acre and larger are allowed up to ten ducks or female chickens plus one additional bird for every additional one thousand square feet of lot area up to two acres. Chickens and ducks must be confined within a suitably fenced area large enough for appropriate exercise. Roosters, geese, peacocks, and other similar loud fowl are prohibited outright.
Other small animals are allowed in addition to the poultry. Lots one-quarter acre and smaller are allowed up to five rabbits, and lots one acre and larger are allowed ten rabbits plus one more for every additional one thousand square feet beyond one acre. Miniature goats are allowed on lots between 5,000 square feet and one acre in size, up to two, and lots over one acre add one goat per additional 1,000 square feet, up to six miniature goats. Up to four turkeys are allowed on lots larger than one acre.
Siting and care rules follow. Agricultural animal enclosures, temporary and permanent, must be no less than 10 feet from all property lines and are not permitted in setback areas. Suitable sanitary enclosures such as coops and barns must protect animals on all sides from weather and predators and prevent rodents. Fences must meet OMC Chapter 18.40. Keeping animals must not become a nuisance, which the code defines to include excessive noise, excessive odors from poor care and clean-up of animal waste, and pest problems from improper feeding techniques. Operations must follow the best management practices in the City of Olympia Drainage Design and Erosion Control Manual.
Violations & Fines
Subsection KK prints no fine of its own. If the City determines an agricultural use causes a detrimental impact to water quality, the public works director or designee can require additional best management practices, up to a farm conservation plan and, as necessary, cessation of uses to restore water quality and protect public health. Nuisance conditions fall under the same subsection.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many chickens can I keep in the City of Olympia?
Are roosters allowed in Olympia?
How far must a chicken coop sit from the property line in Olympia?
Can I keep goats or rabbits on a small Olympia lot?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Olympia
How Olympia compares: Best Cities for Backyard Chickens·Compare Olympia to another location·View the Washington animal ordinances overview
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