Bellingham, WA Animal Ordinances: Livestock (2026)

Livestock in Bellingham is governed by a two-layer framework: animal-care standards in BMC Title 7 (Animals) and zoning rules in BMC Title 20 (Land Use Development). (1) BMC 7.12.060 (Keeping animals in the city) provides that any person may keep horses, cattle, sheep, goats, and domesticated fowl within the city PROVIDED the animal is securely confined in a stable, building, fenced enclosure, or staked-out area that prevents it from getting onto any street or public place AND from getting within 50 FEET of any dwelling or building in which persons work or are accustomed to be. The 50-foot rule is measured to the neighbor's dwelling, not the property line. (2) BMC 7.12.060 further requires that the place be maintained in a sanitary condition at all times, that animals be provided with suitable dry housing, wholesome food, and clean water, and that the keeper not leave the premises for more than 24 hours without providing for the animal's care. (3) BMC 7.16.030 (Cattle) imposes additional care standards for cattle specifically: all stables, corrals, or pens in which cattle are confined must be kept dry and clean, containers for salt, food, and water must be kept in like condition, and each pasture must be provided with a storm shelter for the protection of the cattle. (4) BMC 7.16 (Cruelty to Animals) more broadly mirrors and supplements Chapter 16.52 RCW (the Washington animal cruelty statute) - intentional cruelty, neglect, or failure to provide minimum care is a state and city violation. (5) ZONING LAYER - BMC Title 20 (the Bellingham Land Use Code, also called the Land Use Development Code) restricts ANIMAL HUSBANDRY including the breeding, rearing, and keeping of livestock to a limited number of zoning districts - typically the Public, Public Open Space, and certain low-density residential zones with rural overlays. In most of Bellingham's residential, commercial, and mixed-use districts, animal husbandry is NOT a permitted use. Properties where animal husbandry was being conducted as of the effective date of the relevant zoning amendment are generally allowed to continue at the existing site PROVIDED the existing use is not expanded or enlarged - the classic 'legal nonconforming use' approach. (6) Practical effect: even though BMC 7.12.060 nominally allows horses, cattle, sheep, and goats in the city, the zoning code prevents new livestock operations from starting on most Bellingham residential lots. Horse acreage is realistic only in rural-overlay areas on the city fringe. (7) State law: Chapter 16.06 RCW (dog tethering) does not apply to livestock; Chapter 16.52 RCW (animal cruelty) applies fully. Chapter 16.36 RCW governs livestock disease control through WSDA. Whatcom County Health Department oversees confined animal feeding operation water-quality issues. (8) Field enforcement: Whatcom Humane Society Animal Control 360-733-2080 for BMC Title 7 violations; Bellingham Planning Department for Title 20 zoning violations.