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

Yakima Municipal Code regulates 'domestic farm animals kept as pets' (defined in YMC Title 15 as four or fewer hen chickens — no roosters — or rabbits kept for pleasure or hobby) as an accessory residential use, exempt from the special animal-husbandry rules of YMC 15.09.070. Roosters are categorically barred under the city's noise/nuisance framework in YMC Chapter 6.20 (Animal Control). Hen houses, coops, chicken tractors, and rabbit hutches must be at least 10 feet from any residence or property line and at least 5 feet from any other structure, including decks; all such structures are restricted to the backyard area only. Chickens are not required to be confined to the coop but may not leave the owner's property — YMC Chapter 6.20 makes it unlawful for an owner of ducks, geese, turkeys, chickens, peafowl, or other poultry to allow the same to run at large in the city. The 2023 animal-code update reduced 'poultry at large' from a misdemeanor to a civil infraction. Keeping more than four hens, or any number of roosters, triggers the YMC 15.09.070 'animal husbandry' rules, which require a minimum lot size of one-half acre. Slaughtering is regulated under YMC 6.20.044 and must be hidden from public view (with a licensed-butcher exception).