Chickens & Livestock: Bellevue vs Seattle
How do chickens & livestock rules compare between Bellevue, WA and Seattle, WA?
Seattle has fewer restrictions than Bellevue.
Bellevue, WA
King County
Bellevue allows up to 6 fowl as pets without a permit under LUC 20.20.130. Enclosures must be 15 feet from property lines. Roosters are effectively banned by noise rules.
View full Bellevue 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 | Bellevue | Seattle |
|---|---|---|
| Fowl Limit | 6 without permit | - |
| Setback | 15 ft from property line | - |
| Roosters | Effectively prohibited | - |
| Code | LUC 20.20.130 | KCC 21A.30.020 |
| Base Allowance | - | 8 chickens under 20k sf lot |
| Coop Setback | - | 10 ft from lot line |
| Dwelling Setback | - | 25 ft from neighbor home |
| Rooster Risk | - | Noise complaint based |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Bellevue FAQ
How many chickens can I keep in Bellevue?
Up to 6 chickens or other fowl without a permit. More than 6 triggers small domestic animal rules.
Can I have goats or sheep in Bellevue?
Small livestock like goats and sheep require small domestic animal zoning (generally large residential lots or agricultural zones) under LUC 20.20.130.
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.
Compare other topics
See how Bellevue and Seattle compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool