Spokane Valley, WA Animal Ordinances: Chickens & Livestock (2026)

Backyard chicken keeping is allowed in Spokane Valley under the animal raising and keeping provisions of SVMC 19.65.020. Per the city, a maximum of one chicken may be raised or kept per 2,000 gross square feet of lot area, up to a maximum of 25 birds, and roosters are not permitted. Chickens must be kept on the owner's lot. The city's published guidance states that chicken structures must be set back a minimum of 20 feet from the front property line, at least 5 feet from side and rear property lines, and at least 25 feet from any neighboring dwelling. For other poultry and for livestock (excluding swine, which are generally not allowed, and chickens, which have their own standard), SVMC 19.65.020 requires in residential zones that the lot equal or exceed one gross acre. Any permanent or temporary structure housing poultry or livestock, including a stable, paddock, yard, runway, pen, coop, hutch or enclosure, or any manure pile, must not be located within 75 feet of any dwelling, must not be in the front yard setback, and must be at least 10 feet from any side property line. These standards are designed to allow small-scale urban farming while protecting neighbors from odor, noise and runoff. No special permit is required to keep a compliant number of chickens, but residents with larger lots considering livestock should verify acreage and setback compliance with the city before building. Animal-noise issues (such as crowing or honking) remain subject to the adopted Spokane County animal code enforced by SCRAPS.