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

Richland Municipal Code § 7.03.020 bans keeping livestock in any residential district, full stop, unless the use complies with Chapter 23.14 RMC's agricultural zoning standards. Ordinary backyard chickens are treated differently: RMC § 7.03.010 defines "household pets" to include chickens but expressly excludes roosters, so up to five hens fall under the citywide five-pet cap of RMC § 7.03.015 without needing an agricultural zone. Anyone wanting a real flock, roosters included, or other fowl in volume must be in the AG or SAG district and follow RMC § 23.14.020(B)(4)'s small livestock standards: rabbits and similar animals, plus chickens, ducks, geese, turkeys and similar fowl, are capped at 12 animals or fowl per one acre of gross lot area.

A shed, coop, hutch or similar containment structure must be built before the animals are acquired, and any structure used to keep livestock must sit at least 50 feet back from any property line. Manure has to be collected at least once a week and disposed of by placing it in a fly-proof container for periodic removal, by burying it adequately, or by hauling it off the lot; standing surfaces under a roofed stable must drain properly to avoid odors and fly or insect breeding.

Large livestock, horses, cattle, sheep and goats, is capped separately at two animal units (about 1,000 pounds each) per gross pasture acre, with structures set back 25 feet from any lot line and 40 feet from a one-family dwelling. New animals born on the property that push a household over the cap must be brought back into compliance within 90 days to a year depending on species.