Livestock: Portland vs Seattle
How do livestock rules compare between Portland, OR and Seattle, WA?
Seattle has fewer restrictions than Portland.
Portland, OR
Multnomah County
Portland is a fully urban jurisdiction, and large livestock (horses, cattle, sheep, full-size pigs) are generally not permitted on standard residential lots. MCC 13.05.015 limits residential keeping to three small specified animals without a permit, with miniature/pygmy goats and pot-bellied pigs expressly allowed under the specified-animal program. Large agricultural animals are confined to land zoned for farming under PCC Chapter 33.140 (Open Space, Farm, Forest zones) outside the urban services area.
View full Portland rules →Seattle, WA
King County
Livestock (horses, cattle, goats, sheep, pigs) are permitted in rural and agricultural zones under KCC 21A.30. Density is typically 1 large animal per acre in RA zones; A zones allow full agricultural use.
View full Seattle rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Portland | Seattle |
|---|---|---|
| Residential Lot Limit | 3 specified animals (MCC 13.05.015) | - |
| Goats Allowed | Miniature only (≤100 lbs adult) | - |
| Pot-Bellied Pigs | Allowed under MCC 13.05.015(D) | - |
| Large Livestock Zoning | PCC 33.140 Farm/Forest zones only | - |
| Slaughter on Residential Lot | Prohibited | - |
| Rural Density | - | 1 animal per acre (approx) |
| Ag Zone | - | No cap with setbacks |
| Barn Setback | - | 50 ft property line |
| Dwelling Setback | - | 100 ft neighbor home |
| Code | - | KCC 21A.30, 21A.24 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Portland FAQ
Can I keep goats in Portland?
Only miniature/pygmy breeds capped at about 100 lbs adult weight, under MCC 13.05.015(D). Up to three small animals total (combined with chickens/rabbits) require no permit; four or more need a Multnomah County specified-animal permit.
Can I keep horses or cattle in Portland?
No, not on a typical residential lot. Horses, cattle, sheep, and full-size hogs are only permitted on land zoned Farm/Forest under PCC 33.140, which exists only at the urban edges of Portland (e.g., parts of West Hills and east of 162nd).
Seattle FAQ
Can I keep a horse on my 1-acre lot in unincorporated King County?
Typically yes in RA zoning with proper shelter, pasture, and manure management. Check your parcel's zoning through iMap and verify setbacks before fencing or building a barn.
Are pigs allowed in rural King County?
Yes in Agricultural and Rural Area zones with the same density rules. Pot-bellied pigs as pets (under 150 lbs) may be treated as companion animals. Large commercial swine operations require additional permits.
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