Yakima allows traditional livestock - cattle, horses, ponies, mules, llamas, goats, sheep, swine, rabbits, and poultry - under the 'animal husbandry' rules of YMC 15.09.070, which require a minimum lot size of one-half acre within the urban area. Smaller residential lots are limited to 'pet' animals (up to 4 hen chickens or rabbits). Yakima's Suburban Residential (SR) zone is designed for small farms and scattered low-density development.
Yakima Municipal Code 15.09.070 (Special requirements for animal husbandry) is the controlling provision for livestock within the city. The stated purpose is to assure that the raising of domesticated farm animals within the urban area is compatible with adjoining residential uses. The minimum lot size for animal husbandry within the Yakima urban area is one-half acre; a lot at least one-half acre in size meets this requirement even if a portion is used for a single-family dwelling. 'Domestic farm animals' are defined in YMC Chapter 15.02 as dairy cows, beef cattle, horses, ponies, mules, llamas, goats, sheep, rabbits, poultry, and swine. Animals kept as 'pets' - defined as four or fewer hen chickens (no roosters) or rabbits kept for pleasure or hobby - are exempt from YMC 15.09.070 and may be kept on smaller lots as an accessory residential use. The Suburban Residential (SR) zone (YMC Chapter 15.03) is explicitly intended to accommodate a mixture of land uses including 'small farms' with densities of one unit per five acres up to seven units per acre, making SR the primary livestock-friendly residential district. Larger livestock operations require review under YMC Chapter 15.04 (Permitted Land Uses, Table 4-1). Roosters remain prohibited citywide under YMC Chapter 6.20. WSU Extension Yakima County provides additional livestock-management resources for residents.
Keeping domestic farm animals (cattle, horses, goats, sheep, swine, more than 4 hens) on a lot under 0.5 acre, or in a zone where animal husbandry is not allowed, violates YMC 15.09.070 and is enforceable by Yakima Planning / Code Administration. General penalty up to $1,000 and/or 90 days jail (YMC 1.16.010) plus removal orders.
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