Animal Ordinances in Shoreline, WA (2026)
8 verified animal ordinances for Shoreline, Washington, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Chickens & Livestock
In the City of Shoreline, up to six chickens, excluding roosters, plus rabbits or similarly sized animals can be kept on any residential lot under Shoreline Municipal Code § 20.40.240(D), with 12 allowed per half-acre on larger parcels. Farm-scale livestock requires at least two acres, with a half-acre reserved for each animal's occupancy under subsection G.
Shoreline backyard chicken and livestock rules
Some RestrictionsShoreline Municipal Code § 20.40.240(D), (G)
D. Chickens (Hens), Rabbits and Similarly Sized Animals. Any combination of six chickens (excluding roosters), rabbits and similarly sized animals may be kept on any lot in addition to the small animals permitted in the preceding subsections. On lots of at least one-half acre, such animals may be kept at the rate of 12 for each one-half acre. ... ... G. Livestock (Farm Animals). The maximum num...
Dog Leash Laws
In the City of Shoreline, SMC § 6.05.040 makes it unlawful to let a dog run at large on public or private land, whether by day or night, unless it's on a leash, cord or chain of sufficient length, with an eight-foot leash presumed adequate. Cats and birds are exempt, and Regional Animal Services of King County enforces the rule alongside city officers.
Shoreline Dog Leash Law and Penalties
Some RestrictionsShoreline Municipal Code § 6.05.040
A. It is unlawful for any person having charge, care, custody, or control of a domesticated animal, with the exception of cats or birds, to cause, permit, or allow such animal to be at large during any hours of the day or night, whether on public or private land, unless such animal is controlled by a leash, cord, or chain held or otherwise secured by the owner, custodian, or person in possessio...
Beekeeping
In the City of Shoreline, backyard beekeeping is capped at four hives with one swarm each on lots under 20,000 square feet under Shoreline Municipal Code § 20.40.240(F). Hives need a 25-foot setback from lot lines unless elevated or screened, and every beekeeper must register with the Washington State Department of Agriculture.
Shoreline residential beekeeping limits
Significant RestrictionsShoreline Municipal Code § 20.40.240(F)
F. Beekeeping is limited as follows: 1. Beehives are limited to no more than four hives, each with only one swarm, on sites less than 20,000 square feet. 2. Hives shall not be located within 25 feet of any lot line except when situated eight feet or more above the grade immediately adjacent to the grade of the lot on which the hives are located or when situated less than eight feet above the ad...
Exotic Pets
In the City of Shoreline, keeping swine over 120 pounds and 20 inches tall, roosters, peacocks, peahens, mink, nutria and foxes is banned under Shoreline Municipal Code § 20.40.240(I), on top of the exotic animals already prohibited under SMC Title 6.
Shoreline prohibited exotic and farm animals
Heavy RestrictionsShoreline Municipal Code § 20.40.240(I)
I. Prohibited Animals. In addition to the exotic animals prohibited in SMC Title 6, the keeping of swine over 120 pounds and 20 inches tall, roosters, peacocks and peahens, mink, nutria and foxes shall be prohibited.
Wildlife Feeding
The City of Shoreline bans feeding waterfowl in any city park. SMC § 8.12.255 makes it unlawful to place, deposit, scatter or distribute food of any kind with intent to feed ducks, geese or other waterfowl, and a violation is enforceable as a civil infraction carrying a penalty of up to $500 under the parks chapter's Article V.
Feeding Waterfowl Banned in Shoreline Parks
Heavy RestrictionsShoreline Municipal Code § 8.12.255
Feeding waterfowl is prohibited. No person shall place, deposit, scatter, or distribute food of any kind or nature in any park with an intent to feed waterfowl.
Pet Limits
In the City of Shoreline, keeping pets is a permitted accessory use in every zone under Shoreline Municipal Code § 20.40.240(B)-(C), but households are capped at three unaltered adult cats and dogs, and at three outdoor cats and dogs combined on lots under 20,000 square feet, with more allowed on larger lots up to a citywide maximum of 20.
Shoreline household cat and dog limits
Some RestrictionsShoreline Municipal Code § 20.40.240(C)
C. Small Animals. The maximum numbers of small animals are as follows; small animals on the premises less than two months in age are excluded from the density limitations: 1. Small animals which are kept exclusively in a dwelling as household pets including those kept in aquariums, terrariums, cages or similar containers shall not be limited in number, except as may be provided in SMC § 20.30.7...
Veterinary Clinic Zoning
Shoreline Municipal Code § 20.40.590 permits veterinary clinics and hospitals as a use, but only if they meet four site standards: no burning of refuse or dead animals, sound-proofed animal areas, eight-foot solid-walled run areas with impervious surfacing, and compliance with the City's separate animal-keeping rules.
Shoreline Sets Standards for Veterinary Clinics
Some RestrictionsShoreline Municipal Code § 20.40.590
§ 20.40.590. Veterinary clinics and hospitals. Veterinary clinics and hospitals are permitted under the following provisions: A. No burning of refuse or dead animals is allowed. B. The portion of the building or structure in which animals are kept or treated shall be constructed so as to prevent incursion of noise from animals into any residential zone. C. All run areas shall be surrounded by a...
Bird Protection
SMC § 8.12.410 makes it unlawful in any Shoreline city park to capture, attempt to capture, tease, annoy, disturb, or strike any bird or animal, or to throw or propel any object at or near one, except for authorized fishing and shellfishing. Because this section sits in Article IV of Chapter 8.12, a violation is a misdemeanor, not a civil infraction.
Shoreline Bans Harassing Park Wildlife
Significant RestrictionsShoreline Municipal Code §§ 8.12.410, 8.12.540
§ 8.12.410. Damage to wildlife. Except for fishing and shell fishing in authorized areas and subject to rules promulgated by Washington State Fish and Wildlife Commission, it is unlawful in any park to capture, attempt to capture, tease, annoy, disturb, or strike any bird or animal, or to throw or otherwise propel any object at or in the vicinity of any bird or animal. ... Violation of any prov...
Looking for King County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Shoreline city rules.
Animal Ordinances in King County →