Chickens & Livestock: Auburn vs Seattle
How do chickens & livestock rules compare between Auburn, WA and Seattle, WA?
Seattle has fewer restrictions than Auburn.
Auburn, WA
King County
Auburn allows 4 fowl on lots of 6,000 sq ft plus 1 per 2,000 sq ft added, capped at 10 under ACC 18.31.220. Coops must sit in the rear yard and 10 feet from property lines.
View full Auburn rules →Seattle, WA
King County
Unincorporated King County allows up to 8 chickens on lots under 20,000 sq ft in RA and R zones per KCC 21A.30.020, more on larger parcels. Roosters are effectively restricted via noise complaints in dense areas.
View full Seattle rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Auburn | Seattle |
|---|---|---|
| Base Flock | 4 fowl on 6,000 sq ft | - |
| Extra | 1 per additional 2,000 sq ft | - |
| Max | 10 (unless RC/R-1) | - |
| Coop Setback | 10 ft rear and side | 10 ft from lot line |
| Base Allowance | - | 8 chickens under 20k sf lot |
| Dwelling Setback | - | 25 ft from neighbor home |
| Rooster Risk | - | Noise complaint based |
| Code | - | KCC 21A.30.020 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Auburn FAQ
How many chickens can I have in Auburn, WA?
Four on a 6,000 sq ft lot, plus one per additional 2,000 sq ft up to ten total under ACC 18.31.220. RC and R-1 zones have no cap.
Are roosters allowed in Auburn?
ACC 18.31.220 does not ban roosters outright, but crowing often exceeds WAC 173-60 nighttime limits and draws ACC 6.02.140 animal nuisance citations.
Seattle FAQ
Can I keep a rooster on a half-acre in unincorporated King County?
Technically yes in RA and R zones, but practically no in dense areas. Neighbors can file noise complaints under KCC 12.86 and a rooster crowing at dawn will likely be deemed a nuisance.
Do I need a permit to build a chicken coop?
Coops under 200 sq ft typically do not require a building permit but must meet setback and zoning requirements. Electrical or plumbing triggers permit requirements.
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