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

Section 20.40.240 of the Development Code separates small poultry and rabbits from larger farm livestock and sets different lot-size formulas for each. Subsection D allows any combination of six chickens, specifically excluding roosters, rabbits and similarly sized animals on any residential lot, on top of the small-animal allowance in subsection C. On lots of at least one-half acre, that allowance scales up to 12 such animals for each half-acre of lot area, so a full acre supports up to 24. Subsection G covers livestock, defined as farm animals: large livestock requires a minimum lot area of two acres, with each animal needing its own half-acre of occupancy space, while small livestock such as sheep and goats fall under the same numeric caps as small animals in subsection C, and male goats must be dehorned and neutered.

Livestock under six months old are excluded from all density counts. Roosters themselves are not merely capped, they are barred outright under subsection I's prohibited-animals list, along with peacocks and peahens. Every enclosure, whether for chickens or livestock, must meet the operational standards in subsection K: enclosures for large livestock need a 20-foot setback from property lines, manure cannot accumulate in setback areas, sites must stay neat and sanitary, and animals must be effectively contained so they cannot run loose onto neighboring parcels or public right-of-way. Waterway protection also requires compliance with the City's adopted Stormwater Manual best management practices.