Sammamish, WA Animal Ordinances: Livestock (2026)

Large animals and livestock in Sammamish are primarily a zoning matter under SMC Title 21A (Sammamish adopted King County's zoning structure, including animal/agriculture provisions in the 21A.65 area), which ties the number of large animals to lot size and applies setbacks for structures housing animals. The covered-structure setback used for animal housing is at least 10 feet from any property line. Because Sammamish is a built-up residential city, larger livestock such as horses and cattle generally require substantial acreage, and small-lot homeowners are effectively limited to small animals. Washington state defines livestock broadly (RCW 16.36/16.57 reference horses, cattle, sheep, goats, llamas, swine, and similar animals). Separately, the King County animal-control code adopted by reference in SMC 11.05 designates the jurisdiction a stock-restricted area in which it is unlawful to permit livestock to run at large (KCC 11.04.232); impounded livestock carry redemption and boarding fees. Animal-care, cruelty, and nuisance standards in the adopted King County code apply to livestock as well. Residents planning to keep horses or other large animals should confirm the exact per-acre density and setbacks in current SMC Title 21A.