Tacoma, WA Animal Ordinances: Chickens & Livestock (2026)
Key Facts
- Flock limit
- 6 adult poultry + 6 pigeons/parcel
- Roosters
- Banned citywide (TMC § 17.02.041)
- Coop setback
- 12 ft from any residence
- Large coops
- Building permit needed over 200 sq ft
Summary
Tacoma allows up to 6 adult poultry and 6 pigeons per parcel, bans roosters citywide, and requires coops to sit at least 12 feet from any neighboring residence, per TMC § 5.30.010.
No more than 6 adult poultry and 6 pigeons are allowed per parcel...Pursuant to TMC § 17.02.041, it is a violation for any person to own, possess, or harbor a rooster within the City limits. Animal enclosures such as a cage or coop shall be set back a minimum of 12 feet from the nearest portion of any residence, dwelling, hotel, apartment house or rooming house.
Full Breakdown
Chapter 5.30 of the Tacoma Municipal Code lets residents keep poultry (chickens, turkeys, ducks, or geese) and pigeons without a permit, but caps the flock at 6 adult poultry and 6 pigeons per parcel, with one additional bird allowed for each 5,000 square feet of lot area beyond 10,000 square feet. Owners can petition for up to 10 of each with written neighbor consent filed with the City Clerk. Roosters are banned outright citywide under TMC § 17.02.041. Coops and cages must sit at least 12 feet from the nearest residence and stay out of the required side-yard setback described in TMC § 13.06.100F.5; enclosures over 200 square feet need a building permit. Birds that don't meet these standards are a declared public nuisance.
Violations & Fines
Exceeding the flock limit, keeping a rooster, or violating the 12-foot coop setback triggers a Notice of Violation and a $250 civil penalty for each uncorrected violation under TMC § 5.30.040.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep a rooster in Tacoma?
How many chickens can I have in Tacoma?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Tacoma
How Tacoma compares: Best Cities for Backyard Chickens·Compare Tacoma to another location·View the Washington animal ordinances overview
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Chickens & Livestock in Nearby Cities
How other cities in this county handle chickens & livestock.