Animal Ordinances in Richland, WA (2026)
7 verified animal ordinances for Richland, Washington, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Chickens & Livestock
In the City of Richland, Washington, livestock cannot be kept in residential zones at all except under Chapter 23.14's agricultural district standards, while up to five chickens (roosters excluded) qualify as ordinary household pets citywide. Larger-scale poultry keeping is confined to the AG and SAG zones, capped at 12 birds per acre with mandatory coops and setbacks.
Richland Backyard Chicken & Livestock Rules
Some RestrictionsRichland Municipal Code §§ 7.03.020, 23.14.020(B)(4)
§ 7.03.020. Livestock animals. Livestock may not be kept or maintained in any residential district within the city of Richland, except in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 23.14 RMC. ... 4. Limited raising or keeping of small livestock as follows: a. Rabbits and similar animals; b. Chickens, ducks, geese, turkeys, and other similar fowl. A maximum of 12 animals or fowl, as defined above...
Dog Leash Laws
In the City of Richland, Washington, RMC § 7.03.050 makes it unlawful for a dog to roam off its owner's property unless a competent person keeps it under control, on a leash or chain no longer than eight feet, or at heel beside its owner. Fenced yards, vehicles and designated off-leash areas are the only exceptions.
Richland Dog At-Large & 8-Foot Leash Rule
Some RestrictionsRichland Municipal Code §§ 7.03.010, 7.03.050
"At large" means off the premises of the owner or upon the public streets, alleys, public grounds, school grounds or parks within the city. A dog shall not be deemed at large if: 1. It is attached to a leash or chain of sufficient strength to restrain the dog and not more than eight feet in length, when said leash or chain is held by a person competent to restrain and control the dog off the ow...
Breed Restrictions
In the City of Richland, Washington there is no breed-specific ban; instead RMC § 7.03.320 lets the poundmaster declare any animal, of any breed, potentially dangerous or dangerous based on its conduct. A declared animal needs an annual $250 permit, a secure enclosure, a warning sign, and a $250,000 bond or liability policy before its owner can keep it.
Richland Dangerous Animal Declaration Rules
Significant RestrictionsRichland Municipal Code § 7.03.320
A. Declaration. ... The poundmaster has the authority to declare an animal potentially dangerous or dangerous and require such animal to have a permit in accordance with this section. ... ... F. Permit Required. No person shall have, keep, or maintain any potentially dangerous or dangerous animal without first obtaining an annual permit from the poundmaster. The fee for such a permit shall be $...
Exotic Pets
In the City of Richland, Washington, RMC § 7.03.355 adopts state law banning possession of potentially dangerous wild animals, including bobcats and any hybrid or cross-mix of them, as pets. The city incorporates RCW 16.30.005 through 16.30.070 directly into its animal control chapter and enforces them as part of Chapter 7.03.
Richland Ban on Dangerous Wild Animals
Heavy RestrictionsRichland Municipal Code § 7.03.355
§ 7.03.355. RCW sections adopted – Possession of potentially dangerous wild animals prohibited. The following sections of the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) pertaining to prohibiting possession of potentially dangerous wild animals, including bobcats (Lynx rufus, member of the Class mammalian, Order carnivore, Family felide, or any hybrid or cross-mix thereof) as now or hereafter amended are ...
Pet Limits
In the City of Richland, Washington, city code caps every dwelling unit at five household pets total, counting any mix of dogs, cats, rabbits, chickens (except roosters), ducks, geese and pigeons over six months old. Keep six or more and the property becomes a commercial kennel, which needs its own business and kennel license from the city license officer.
Richland's Five-Pet Household Limit
Some RestrictionsRichland Municipal Code §§ 7.03.010, 7.03.015
"Household pets" means any dogs, cats, rabbits, chickens (except for roosters), ducks, geese, pigeons, or other similar domestic animals over the age of six months. ... ... § 7.03.015. Household pets. Each dwelling unit and the accompanying lot or common area is limited to five household pets as defined in RMC § 7.03.010.
Cat Rules
In the City of Richland, Washington, cat licensing was repealed by Ordinance 24-19, so there's no tag requirement today. What remains: RMC § 7.03.040 makes any stray cat at large a nuisance subject to impoundment, and RMC § 7.03.160 requires confining a female cat in heat so she can't reach other animals.
Richland Stray Cat & Confinement Rules
Light RestrictionsRichland Municipal Code §§ 7.03.040, 7.03.160, 7.03.190
§ 7.03.040. Stray animal a nuisance. Any stray dog, cat or animal running at large within the city is declared to be a nuisance, and any such stray dog, cat or animal may be seized and impounded. ... ... § 7.03.160. Confinement. A. Every female dog or cat in heat shall be kept confined to the owner's property or in a veterinary hospital or boarding kennel so that such female dog or cat cannot c...
Bird Protection
The City of Richland, Washington makes it a misdemeanor under Richland Municipal Code § 9.12.090 to willfully torment or harass any game bird, game animal, or species protected under Washington State Game Commission rules, though the ordinance carves out an exception for animals lawfully hunted where the city council has designated hunting areas and times.
Richland Bars Tormenting Protected Birds
Some RestrictionsRichland Municipal Code § 9.12.090
It is unlawful for any person to willfully torment or harass any game bird, game animal, or any species of bird or animal protected under the rules or regulations promulgated by the Washington State Game Commission; provided, however, that nothing contained in this section shall apply to birds or animals which are lawfully hunted in areas of the city designated by resolution of the city council...
Looking for Benton County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Richland city rules.
Animal Ordinances in Benton County →