Oregon Backyard Chicken Laws: Permits, Limits and Setbacks by City and County

Oregon Ordinances by City & County

All 36 Oregon counties listed alphabetically below with major cities/towns and typical residential rules. Rules vary by exact municipality and zoning district — HOAs can override. Always verify with local planning or animal control for your address.

Baker County

• Cities/Towns: Baker City, Haines, Halfway, Huntington, Richland, Sumpter, Unity
• Hens: Baker City: Small flocks allowed with a Livestock Permit. Unincorporated: Generally no limit under Right to Farm protections.
• Roosters: Baker City: Prohibited in residential zones. Unincorporated: Allowed on larger parcels and agricultural zones.
• Setback: Baker City: Coops must be in the rear yard; specific distances depend on "Small Animal" zoning status (typically 10+ feet from property lines).
• Permit: Baker City: Mandatory Livestock Permit required for fowl; used for non-commercial personal use only.
• Lot size / Minimum acreage: Baker City: 1,000 sq. ft. of pasture/run area required per "small animal" (including chickens).

Benton County

• Cities/Towns: Corvallis, Philomath, Adair Village, Monroe, Albany (partial)
• Hens: Corvallis: No numerical limit for personal use, provided birds are contained. Adair Village: Requires a permit; specific limits based on lot size. Unincorporated: Protected by Right to Farm; usually no limit on acreage.
• Roosters: Corvallis: Not explicitly banned, but strictly regulated by the noise ordinance (nuisance calls). Philomath: Generally prohibited in residential zones to prevent noise complaints.
• Setback: Corvallis: Coop must be 10ft from property lines and in the rear yard. Philomath: No shelter/coop may be within 30ft of a city street or sidewalk.
• Permit: Philomath Special Rule: Requires a permit plus written consent from 75% of neighbors within a 200ft radius. Adair Village: Requires an Annual Backyard Chicken Permit (must be renewed each January).
• Lot size / Minimum acreage: Corvallis: No minimum acreage, but birds must be "adequately sheltered" and not create a nuisance. Unincorporated: 100–300 "range chickens" per acre is the general guideline for farm tax deferral.

Clackamas County

• Cities/Towns: Happy Valley, Lake Oswego, Milwaukie, Oregon City, Sandy, West Linn, Wilsonville, Canby, Estacada, Gladstone, Molalla, Rivergrove, Tualatin (partial)
• Hens: Lake Oswego/West Linn: Up to 3 hens (standard lots). Oregon City: Up to 5 hens. Unincorporated: Generally allowed without a cap on acreage; smaller residential lots allow up to 3–5 hens.
• Roosters: Happy Valley/Lake Oswego/West Linn: Strictly prohibited. Unincorporated: Allowed on parcels over 1 acre (subject to noise/nuisance complaints).
• Setback: Lake Oswego: 10ft from property lines; 20ft from any neighbor dwelling. Milwaukie: Coops must be 15ft from any neighboring residence. General: Must be in the rear yard and screened from public view.
• Permit: Lake Oswego: No permit for 3 or fewer; Chicken Facility Permit required for more (requires neighbor notification). West Linn: No permit required for standard residential flocks.
• Lot size / Minimum acreage: Unincorporated Clackamas: Minimum 5,000 sq. ft. lot required to keep any poultry. Wilsonville: Minimum 10,000 sq. ft. lot for poultry keeping.

Clatsop County

• Cities/Towns: Astoria, Cannon Beach, Gearhart, Seaside, Warrenton, Hammond
• Hens: Astoria: Up to 6 hens. Cannon Beach: Up to 4 hens. Seaside: Historically prohibited under nuisance code, but small-scale exemptions may be granted by City Council for educational use; check current 2026 status. Unincorporated: Generally no limit; protected by Right to Farm on larger rural tracts.
• Roosters: Astoria/Cannon Beach/Warrenton: Strictly prohibited in residential zones. Unincorporated: Allowed, though noise ordinances still apply if birds disturb neighbors in high-density rural clusters.
• Setback: Cannon Beach: 15ft from any adjacent dwelling; must follow specific zone setbacks. Astoria: 10ft from property lines; located in the rear yard only. Warrenton: 10–25ft from property lines depending on the specific neighborhood density.
• Permit: Cannon Beach: "Chicken Facility" must be open for city inspection at all times. Astoria: No formal permit fee for 6 or fewer, but coop must meet structural codes.
• Lot size / Minimum acreage: Cannon Beach: No specific lot minimum, but the "100-foot rule" applies to non-chicken livestock (bees/poultry exceptions apply). Unincorporated Clatsop: Minimum lot sizes for poultry are typically governed by the specific zoning district (AC, AF, or RR).

Columbia County

• Cities/Towns: St. Helens, Scappoose, Rainier, Vernonia, Clatskanie, Columbia City, Prescott
• Hens: St. Helens: Up to 3 hens allowed without a special license. Rainier: Up to 5 chickens per 5,000 sq. ft. lot, up to a maximum of 10. Unincorporated: Generally permissive under Oregon’s Right to Farm Act; no strict numerical caps on larger rural lots.
• Roosters: St. Helens & Rainier: Strictly prohibited in residential city limits. Scappoose: Prohibited in standard residential zones to prevent noise nuisances. Unincorporated: Allowed, provided they do not create a documented noise disturbance for neighbors.
• Setback: Rainier: Coops and enclosures must be at least 7 feet from property lines and located in the rear yard. St. Helens: Accessory structures must meet standard residential setbacks (typically 5–10 feet from property lines).
• Permit: St. Helens Special Rule: An Animal Facility License is required if you keep more than 3 adult hens/ducks or 6 chicks. Rainier: A permit is required for all chicken owners ($15 fee); no "grandfather" clause for existing flocks.
• Lot size / Minimum acreage: Rainier: Population density rules apply (5 chickens per 5,000 sq. ft. lot). Lots over 1,000 sq. ft. per chicken are generally required for larger flocks. Unincorporated: No minimum acreage for small backyard flocks, but commercial-scale operations must follow ODA drainage guidelines.

Coos County

• Cities/Towns: Coos Bay, North Bend, Bandon, Coquille, Myrtle Point, Powers, Lakeside
• Hens: Coos Bay: Up to 4 hens allowed without a permit. Coquille: Up to 4 hens allowed on any lot size; 5+ requires a specific lot size (10,000+ sq. ft.). Unincorporated: Generally no limit; five-digit house numbers (e.g., 12345 Main St) typically indicate you are outside city limits and under county rural rules.
• Roosters: Coos Bay & North Bend: Strictly prohibited in residential zones. Coquille: Prohibited over the age of 6 months. Unincorporated: Allowed, but noise ordinances apply in "Urban Growth Boundaries."
• Setback: Coos Bay: Adequate shelter required; must not create a nuisance for neighbors. Coquille: 200ft setback from any neighbor dwelling UNLESS you have written neighbor consent.
• Permit: Coos Bay Special Rule: An Animal Control Permit ($52.50/year) is mandatory ONLY if keeping 5 or more poultry. Bandon: Generally allows poultry, but strict "Wildlife Feeding" ordinances prohibit leaving feed out in a way that attracts rodents or wild birds.
• Lot size / Minimum acreage: Coquille: 1–4 hens: No minimum. 5 hens: 10,000 sq. ft. 6+ hens: Additional 1,000 sq. ft. per bird. Unincorporated: No minimum acreage for small flocks; larger operations must follow ODA waste management guidelines.

Crook County

• Cities/Towns: Prineville, Powell Butte, Post, Paulina
• Hens: Prineville: Allowed in residential zones (R-1, R-2) with a density limit of 1 chicken per 500 sq. ft. of property. Unincorporated: Generally permissive; standard rural residential zones (RR-2, RR-5) allow for larger flocks as long as sanitation is maintained.
• Roosters: Prineville: Prohibited in residential city limits due to noise and nuisance ordinances. Unincorporated: Allowed in rural and agricultural zones, provided they do not create a recurring noise nuisance for neighbors.
• Setback: Prineville: Coops and runs must be located on the rear half of the property and at least 50ft from any adjacent neighbor's residence. Unincorporated: 100ft setbacks from adjacent residential buildings are typically required for livestock structures in Rural Service Center (RSC) zones.
• Permit: Prineville: No specific "chicken permit" fee is required for small flocks, but coops larger than 200 sq. ft. or taller than 10ft require a building permit. Unincorporated: No permit required for personal-use flocks.
• Lot size / Minimum acreage: Prineville: No hard lot-size minimum, but the 1 per 500 sq. ft. rule effectively limits a standard 5,000 sq. ft. lot to 10 birds (cumulative with rabbits/other fowl). Unincorporated: Right to Farm protections apply; however, intensive poultry keeping on small rural lots (less than 1 acre) may be subject to County Planning review.

Curry County

• Cities/Towns: Brookings, Gold Beach, Port Orford, Harbor, Langlois, Agness
• Hens: Brookings (2026 Update): Up to 6 hens allowed (a total ban was rejected by City Council in March 2026). Gold Beach: Up to 4 hens; larger flocks may require a conditional use permit. Unincorporated: Protected by Right to Farm; typically no numerical limits on rural acreage.
• Roosters: Brookings: Strictly prohibited within city limits. Gold Beach/Port Orford: Generally prohibited in residential zones to prevent noise nuisances. Unincorporated: Allowed, but subject to "public nuisance" complaints if noise is excessive in residential clusters.
• Setback: Brookings: Mandatory 125-foot setback from any adjacent neighbor's dwelling (this is the stricter compromise rule). Gold Beach: Coops must be in the rear yard and 20ft from property lines. Port Orford: 3ft from side/rear property lines; 10ft from the front line.
• Permit: Brookings: No specific permit fee for the standard 6-hen limit, but code compliance on setbacks is strictly enforced. Gold Beach: Check with City Hall for current "Animal Permit" requirements for flocks exceeding 4 birds.
• Lot size / Minimum acreage: Brookings: Due to the 125-foot setback rule, small residential lots may effectively be unable to host chickens legally. Unincorporated: Minimum lot sizes for poultry are governed by EFU (Exclusive Farm Use) or Rural Residential zoning.

Deschutes County

• Cities/Towns: Bend, Redmond, La Pine, Sisters, Sunriver, Terrebonne, Tumalo
• Hens: Bend: Up to 4 hens on standard lots. Redmond: Up to 10 hens (one of the more permissive cities in Central Oregon). Unincorporated: Generally permissive; Tumalo/Terrebonne rural lots typically have no numerical cap.
• Roosters: Bend & Redmond: Strictly prohibited in city limits. Sisters: Generally prohibited to maintain the "quiet" tourism atmosphere. Unincorporated: Allowed on parcels over 1 acre.
• Setback: Bend: Coops must be 5ft from property lines and 20ft from any neighbor's dwelling. Redmond: 15ft setbacks from neighbor property lines.
• Permit: Bend: No permit required for 4 or fewer. Sisters: Requires an Animal Permit ($25) and neighbor notification for standard lots.
• Lot size / Minimum acreage: Sunriver: As a private managed community, Sunriver prohibits all poultry regardless of state law. La Pine: Minimum lot sizes apply for larger flocks (check specific Rural Residential zoning).

Douglas County

• Cities/Towns: Roseburg, Sutherlin, Reedsport, Myrtle Creek, Winston, Canyonville, Drain, Glendale, Oakland, Riddle, Yoncalla
• Hens: Roseburg: No hen limit for personal use, but must remain in a sanitary "animal house." Sutherlin: Up to 4 hens on standard lots; 5+ hens require 10,000+ sq. ft. Reedsport: Up to 4 hens. Unincorporated: Protected by Right to Farm; typically no numerical limits on rural acreage.
• Roosters: Roseburg: Generally allowed, provided they do not create a noise nuisance (though most neighbors will report the 200ft rule violation first). Sutherlin: Prohibited over the age of 6 months. Reedsport/Myrtle Creek: Strictly prohibited in residential city limits.
• Setback: Roseburg: Animal houses must be 200 feet or further from any neighbor’s structure used for human occupancy. Reedsport: Coops must be at least 40 feet from any residence. Myrtle Creek (2025/26 Update): Moving toward nuisance-based enforcement rather than strict numerical caps.
• Permit: Roseburg: A permit is technically required for livestock; coops must be kept clean and sanitary at all times. Sutherlin: Permit required for all livestock; neighbor consent is often a factor in approval.
• Lot size / Minimum acreage: Sutherlin: 1–4 hens: No minimum. 5 hens: 10,000 sq. ft. 6+ hens: Additional 1,000 sq. ft. per bird. Unincorporated: No minimum acreage for personal flocks; 1,000-bird slaughter exemption applies on-farm.

Gilliam County

• Cities/Towns: Condon, Arlington, Lonerock
• Hens: Condon: Generally allows small backyard flocks (typically up to 6 hens) in residential zones, provided they are for non-commercial use. Arlington: Permissive; allows backyard hens as long as they are contained and do not create a sanitation nuisance. Unincorporated: Strictly protected by Oregon’s Right to Farm Act; no numerical limits on rural or agricultural acreage.
• Roosters: Condon & Arlington: Roosters are generally discouraged or prohibited in dense residential blocks to prevent noise complaints. Unincorporated: Allowed, as the county is primarily agricultural and noise from livestock is a standard expectation.
• Setback: Condon: Coops must be located in the rear yard and maintain a minimum 10ft setback from property lines. Unincorporated: No specific county-wide setback for small personal coops; however, structures larger than 200 sq. ft. must meet standard building code placements.
• Permit: Condon: No specific "chicken permit" fee, but owners must comply with general animal control and nuisance ordinances. Arlington: No permit required for standard backyard flocks.
• Lot size / Minimum acreage: Gilliam County (General): As one of Oregon's most rural counties, there are no minimum acreage requirements for small-scale poultry keeping. Note: Most residential lots in Condon and Arlington are large enough to easily accommodate the standard "6-hen" recommendation.

Grant County

• Cities/Towns: John Day, Canyon City, Prairie City, Mt. Vernon, Dayville, Seneca, Monument, Long Creek
• Hens: John Day: Allows backyard poultry in residential zones; generally follows a "personal use" rule (up to 6–10 hens) provided they are contained. Canyon City: Permissive; poultry is allowed as long as it does not constitute a public health threat. Prairie City/Mt. Vernon: Very poultry-friendly; small flocks are standard in residential backyards. Unincorporated: Strictly agricultural; no numerical limits on birds for personal or farm use.
• Roosters: John Day: Generally discouraged in dense residential blocks; frequent crowing can be cited under the city's "Unnecessary Noise" ordinance. Canyon City: Allowed, but subject to noise complaints if they disturb the "comfort and repose" of neighbors. Unincorporated: Fully allowed.
• Setback: John Day: Coops should be in the rear yard and maintain a 5–10ft buffer from property lines. Canyon City: Structures must be kept in a sanitary condition and reasonably open to inspection by city officials.
• Permit: Grant County (General): No specific "backyard chicken permit" is required in most Grant County municipalities for small flocks. Note: Building permits are required for coops/sheds exceeding 200 sq. ft.
• Lot size / Minimum acreage: General: No minimum acreage is required for poultry in any Grant County city, though the "Adequate Size" of the property is a factor if a nuisance complaint is filed. Unincorporated: Larger acreage is governed by EFU (Exclusive Farm Use) or Forest-Grazing zoning.

Harney County

• Cities/Towns: Burns, Hines, Crane, Drewsey, Fields, Frenchglen, Princeton, Diamond, Riley
• Hens: Hines: Up to 6 adult hens allowed with a permit. Burns: Generally allows small backyard flocks; rules focus on preventing "nuisance" conditions through sanitation. Unincorporated: No numerical limit for personal use on rural or EFU (Exclusive Farm Use) zoned land.
• Roosters: Hines: Strictly prohibited within city limits. Burns: Generally prohibited in residential zones to comply with noise and peace ordinances. Unincorporated: Allowed, as is standard in Harney’s extensive ranching and agricultural landscape.
• Setback: Hines: Poultry must be kept in the rear yard and contained within a secure enclosure/coop at all times. Burns: Coops must be located to prevent offensive odors or noise from reaching adjacent properties (typically 10–20ft from property lines).
• Permit: Hines: A Livestock Permit is mandatory for poultry. The application requires a description of the coop and dimensions of the run. Burns: No specific annual permit fee for small flocks, but structures may be subject to standard zoning reviews.
• Lot size / Minimum acreage: Hines: Limit of 6 hens applies regardless of lot size, provided the enclosure is kept sanitary. Unincorporated: No minimum acreage for backyard poultry; however, the county’s Comprehensive Plan protects large-scale agricultural use in Rural Service Centers like Crane and Drewsey.

Hood River County

• Cities/Towns: Hood River (City), Cascade Locks, Odell, Parkdale, Mount Hood, Oak Grove, Rockford
• Hens: Hood River (City): Up to 5 hens allowed on standard residential lots. Cascade Locks: Generally permissive, though a 2025/2026 debate regarding neighbor-approval and fee structures has led to tighter enforcement on containment. Unincorporated (Odell/Parkdale): No numerical limit for personal use on EFU (Exclusive Farm Use) land; smaller residential clusters (Rural Centers) typically follow a 1-bird-per-1,000-sq.-ft. guideline.
• Roosters: Hood River (City): Strictly prohibited in residential zones. Cascade Locks: Discouraged in the urban core; subject to "Peace and Quiet" noise ordinances. Unincorporated: Allowed, as they are considered part of the "standard agricultural sounds" protected by county zoning.
• Setback: Hood River (City): Coops must be in the rear yard and at least 20 feet from any neighbor's dwelling. General: Structures over 120 sq. ft. must follow standard accessory building setbacks (typically 5–10 feet from property lines).
• Permit: Hood River (City): No permit required for the standard 5-hen limit, provided sanitation and containment are met. Note: Most of Hood River County is under strict Wildfire Protection zones; ensure coops are clear of dry brush/ladder fuels.
• Lot size / Minimum acreage: Urban Zones: No minimum acreage for a small flock, but the "5-hen cap" remains fixed regardless of lot size within city limits. Unincorporated: The "Unincorporated Communities Rule" (OAR 660-022) protects poultry keeping in Odell and Parkdale, but emphasizes land-use predictability for owners.

Jackson County

• Cities/Towns: Medford, Ashland, Central Point, Jacksonville, Phoenix, Talent, Eagle Point, Rogue River, Gold Hill, Shady Cove, Butte Falls
• Hens: Medford: Up to 5 hens allowed on a standard lot (5,000 sq. ft.); up to 10 maximum on larger lots. Ashland: Unique sliding scale: 5 hens for lots under 5,000 sq. ft.; 1 additional hen per 1,000 sq. ft. thereafter (max 20). Central Point: Generally allows backyard hens, but prohibits "animals raised for commercial purposes." Unincorporated: Permissive; many areas are "Open Range," but Livestock Districts require containment.
• Roosters: Medford, Ashland, & Central Point: Strictly prohibited in all residential zones. Jacksonville: Prohibited to maintain the historic district's quiet atmosphere. Unincorporated: Allowed, but subject to noise complaints in suburban-style rural clusters.
• Setback: Ashland: Coops must be 10ft from property lines and 20ft from any neighboring dwelling. Medford: Must be in the rear yard and at least 7ft from property lines. Central Point: Standard accessory structure setbacks apply (typically 5–10ft).
• Permit: Medford: A Backyard Chicken Permit ($15) is required. If you are a renter, written landlord permission is mandatory. Ashland: No specific permit fee for small flocks, but you must provide written notification to neighbors for multi-family properties.
• Lot size / Minimum acreage: Ashland: Very specific math—1,000 sq. ft. of total lot area per chicken is the standard for flocks over 5 birds. Unincorporated: No minimum acreage for personal flocks; however, property in "Livestock Districts" must be fenced to keep birds *in*, while "Open Range" property must be fenced to keep others' livestock *out*.

Jefferson County

• Cities/Towns: Madras, Culver, Metolius, Camp Sherman, Crooked River Ranch, Gateway, Ashwood
• Hens: Madras: Up to 4 hens/small fowl on standard lots; up to 6 on lots 10,000 sq. ft. or larger. Culver: Up to 6 adult hens per total lot area. Unincorporated: Generally permissive; however, a Miscellaneous Planning Permit is required by the County to keep chickens or ducks on residential-zoned land.
• Roosters: Madras & Culver: Strictly prohibited within city limits. Metolius: Generally prohibited in residential blocks to comply with noise ordinances. Unincorporated: Allowed, but property owners should check if they are within a specific Livestock District which may have distinct containment bylaws.
• Setback: Madras: Enclosures must have secure sides at least 5ft high and be embedded 1ft into the ground to prevent digging predators (coyotes/badgers). Culver: Pens must be "reasonably screened" from public streets and neighboring properties. County (Unincorporated): Standard accessory structure setbacks apply (typically 15ft side/rear for pole barns and coops).
• Permit: Madras (2025/26 Rule): No specific fee for the basic 4-bird limit, but strict facility requirements for "Secure Enclosures" are enforced via code compliance. County Planning: A mandatory "Miscellaneous Permit" from the Planning and Zoning division is required for all poultry on non-EFU land.
• Lot size / Minimum acreage: Madras: Tiered system—4 birds for any size lot; 6 birds for 10,000+ sq. ft. Crooked River Ranch: As a large HOA/Special District, specific CCRs (Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions) may limit poultry despite county-level permissions.

Josephine County

• Cities/Towns: Grants Pass, Cave Junction, Merlin, Williams, Kerby, O'Brien, Wolf Creek, Galice, Murphy, Wilderville
• Hens: Grants Pass: Up to 5 hens allowed on standard residential lots. Cave Junction: Up to 5 hens allowed (limit adopted via Ordinance 568). Unincorporated (Merlin/Williams): Generally no numerical limit on larger rural parcels; protected by Right to Farm.
• Roosters: Grants Pass & Cave Junction: Strictly prohibited in all residential zones. Unincorporated: Allowed, though noise ordinances can be triggered in high-density rural residential clusters (RR-5, RR-1).
• Setback: Grants Pass: Coops must be in the rear yard; specific building permits are required if the shelter exceeds standard accessory structure square footage. Cave Junction: Mandatory 20ft setback from any abutting parcel; coop must not be visible from a public street.
• Permit: Cave Junction: An application and fee are required prior to keeping chickens (enforced as of 2026). Grants Pass: No license required for the standard 5-hen limit, but "running at large" is a citable offense.
• Lot size / Minimum acreage: Grants Pass: No minimum acreage for 5 hens, but they must be contained and "not free-range all over the neighborhood." Unincorporated: Subject to Livestock District rules—residents must verify if they are in an "Open Range" or "Closed Range" area to determine fencing liability.

Klamath County

• Cities/Towns: Klamath Falls, Chiloquin, Malin, Merrill, Bonanza, Altamont, Falcon Heights, Gilchrist, Keno
• Hens: Klamath Falls (City): Generally allows small flocks (up to 4–6 hens) in residential zones, provided they are kept in a clean, nuisance-free manner. Unincorporated (County Code): Classified as "Small Animals." You are allowed up to 24 small animals per acre (including chickens, rabbits, and ducks). Altamont: As an urbanized unincorporated area, Altamont follows the County’s 24-per-acre rule rather than City of Klamath Falls limits.
• Roosters: Klamath Falls: Strictly prohibited in residential zones to prevent noise disturbances. Unincorporated: Allowed, but subject to noise complaints if they disturb the "peace and repose" of neighbors in high-density residential zones (R-1, R-2).
• Setback: Klamath Falls: Coops must be in the rear yard and at least 20ft from any neighboring dwelling. County Rule: Large animal structures require a 20,000 sq. ft. lot, but small poultry coops simply need to meet standard accessory building setbacks (typically 5–10ft from property lines).
• Permit: Klamath County: No specific "chicken permit" is required for personal consumption flocks under the 24-bird-per-acre limit. Building Exemption: In rural zones, agricultural buildings may be exempt from structural permits under ORS 455.315 if used primarily for poultry/farming.
• Lot size / Minimum acreage: County Density: The math is simple—if you have a 0.5-acre lot, you are capped at 12 small animals. Note: Electrical grounding is **mandatory** for any coop with a concrete slab (KCLDC Art. 11) to prevent "stray voltage" which is a common local fire hazard in the dry climate.

Lake County

• Cities/Towns: Lakeview, Paisley, New Pine Creek, Christmas Valley, Silver Lake, Fort Rock, Adel, Plush
• Hens: Lakeview: Generally allows up to 5 hens on standard residential lots; must be for personal use only. Unincorporated (Non-Resource Zones): Allowed at a density of 24 chickens per 10,000 sq. ft. of open area. Christmas Valley/Silver Lake: Largely governed by rural county standards; highly permissive for backyard flocks.
• Roosters: Lakeview: Generally prohibited in residential zones due to noise ordinances. Unincorporated: Allowed, though Lake County Code 18.100.150 notes that improper sanitation or noise can be deemed a violation of the title.
• Setback: County Code (All non-resource zones): Livestock shelters (including coops) shall not be located closer than 40 feet from any property line. Lakeview: Coops must be in the rear yard and maintain a buffer from neighboring residences (typically 15–20ft).
• Permit: Lakeview: No specific permit fee for a standard flock of 5, but owners must comply with city nuisance and sanitation codes. County: No permit required for personal-use poultry under the 24-bird density limit.
• Lot size / Minimum acreage: County Requirement: Animals other than standard domestic pets (dogs/cats) must be provided with at least 20,000 square feet of open area to be kept in non-resource zones. Note: This means even in "residential" rural areas, you effectively need a half-acre (0.46 acres) to legally keep a flock.

Lane County

• Cities/Towns: Eugene, Springfield, Cottage Grove, Junction City, Florence, Creswell, Veneta, Coburg, Dunes City, Lowell, Oakridge, Westfir
• Hens: Eugene: Up to 6 hens (and 6 "young" under 6 months) allowed on standard lots. Springfield: Up to 4 hens allowed on any lot; 5 hens require 10,000 sq. ft.; 6+ hens require an additional 1,000 sq. ft. per bird. Junction City: Currently prohibited in residential zones (as of 2026, the City Commission has declined requests to allow them). Unincorporated: Very permissive; no numerical limits on rural-zoned acreage.
• Roosters: Eugene, Springfield, & Cottage Grove: Strictly prohibited in city limits. Unincorporated: Allowed, but subject to noise ordinances if they disturb neighbors in "Rural Residential" clusters.
• Setback: Eugene: Coops must be 10ft from all property lines (can be closer with written neighbor authorization). Springfield: No specific poultry setback, but must follow standard accessory structure rules (5–10ft). Cottage Grove: Coops must be 20ft from any neighbor's dwelling.
• Permit: Eugene: No permit or license required! However, they have a "Good Neighbor" policy and specific sanitation standards for food storage. Springfield: No permit for 1-4 birds; larger flocks may trigger land-use reviews.
• Lot size / Minimum acreage: Eugene: On lots over 20,000 sq. ft., you can transition from "Urban Animal" rules to "Farm Animal" rules (allowing more birds). Veneta: Allows chickens based on a ratio of birds to total backyard square footage.
• Slaughter/Harvesting: Eugene Special Rule: On-site harvesting is legal but must be done out of view from the public or any adjacent property.

Lincoln County

• Cities/Towns: Newport, Lincoln City, Toledo, Waldport, Yachats, Depoe Bay, Siletz, Otis, Seal Rock, Gleneden Beach
• Hens: Toledo: Up to 6 hens allowed per single-family dwelling. Siletz: Tiered limit—up to 6 birds (chickens/ducks combined) on 0.5 acres or less; up to 10 birds on 1 acre or more. Lincoln City: Allows 3–20 chickens depending on lot size and permit tier. Unincorporated: Generally permissive; protected by Right to Farm on larger rural tracts.
• Roosters: Newport, Lincoln City, Toledo, & Siletz: Strictly prohibited in city limits. Depoe Bay: Prohibited under nuisance codes to maintain coastal "peace and quiet." Unincorporated: Allowed, but noise ordinances apply in suburban-style clusters.
• Setback: Toledo: 25ft from any neighbor's door or window; 5ft from side-yard lines; 18 inches from rear lines. Lincoln City: Coops must be 5ft from property lines and 50ft from any neighbor's house. Siletz: Enclosures may be 5ft from rear/side lines if the structure is under 15ft tall.
• Permit: Newport Special Rule: Requires a $25 annual permit plus written consent from 75% of property owners within 150 feet of the coop. Siletz: Mandatory $10 annual permit (must be renewed every January). Lincoln City: Mandatory permit required for 3+ chickens ($50 annual fee).
• Special Wildlife Clause: Depoe Bay: New ordinance prohibits feeding chickens in a way that attracts bears, gulls, or rodents. Food must be stored in metal, vermin-proof containers. Yachats: Strict enforcement of "Public Nuisance" laws regarding manure accumulation to prevent attracting coastal predators.

Linn County

• Cities/Towns: Albany, Lebanon, Sweet Home, Mill City, Lyons, Scio, Brownsville, Halsey, Tangent, Harrisburg, Sodaville, Waterloo
• Hens: Albany: Up to 6 hens allowed on standard residential lots. Lebanon: Up to 12 hens allowed; specifically 1 hen per 1,000 sq. ft. of lot area. Sweet Home: Tiered system: 6 hens for lots smaller than 0.25 acre; 12 hens for 0.25–0.5 acre; 24 hens for 0.5+ acre. Unincorporated: No numerical limit for personal flocks on EFU (Exclusive Farm Use) or Rural Residential acreage.
• Roosters: Albany, Lebanon, & Sweet Home: Strictly prohibited within city limits. Tangent/Scio: Generally allowed, though Tangent (a "farming city") requires they not become a public nuisance. Unincorporated: Allowed; protected by the Right to Farm Act.
• Setback: Albany: Coops must have a concrete floor and be securely fastened; must not cause a nuisance to neighbors. Lebanon: No specific numerical setback in the new code, but must be in the rear yard and maintained in a "clean and sanitary" condition. Sweet Home: Coops must be in the rear yard and follow standard accessory structure setbacks (typically 5ft).
• Permit: Lebanon (New as of 2026): The City Council removed the permit requirement for backyard chickens. No fee or paperwork is required for standard flocks. Albany: No permit required for the standard 6-hen limit. Unincorporated: No permit required.
• Lot size / Minimum acreage: Lebanon: 1,000 sq. ft. of total lot size per bird (capped at 12). Sweet Home: The most clearly defined "acreage-to-bird" ratio in the county (see "Hens" section above). Brownsville: Allows "small livestock" including poultry, but requires they be confined to the owner's property at all times.

Malheur County

• Cities/Towns: Ontario, Vale, Nyssa, Jordan Valley, Adrian, Juntura, Harper, Ironside
• Hens: Ontario: Up to 5 hens allowed on standard residential lots; larger lots may qualify for more under specific "Livestock" zoning exceptions. Vale: Generally permissive; allows small backyard flocks (typically up to 6–8 birds) for personal use. Nyssa: Allows backyard poultry provided they are for non-commercial use and housed in a secure coop. Unincorporated: Strictly protected by Right to Farm; no numerical limits on rural or EFU (Exclusive Farm Use) land.
• Roosters: Ontario: Strictly prohibited in residential city limits. Vale & Nyssa: Discouraged in residential blocks; subject to "disturbing the peace" noise citations. Unincorporated: Fully allowed.
• Setback: Ontario: Coops must be in the rear yard and at least 10ft from property lines. General: Structures over 200 sq. ft. require a building permit and must follow standard accessory structure placement (typically 5–15ft from lines).
• Permit: Ontario: No specific "chicken license" fee for standard flocks of 5 or fewer, but code enforcement monitors for "pest and odor" nuisances. Jordan Valley: No permit required for personal-use flocks.
• Special 2026 Health Clause: County-Wide: All poultry intended for exhibition (e.g., Malheur County Fair) must be blood-tested for Pullorum-Typhoid by ODA-trained volunteers. This high standard of health is often mirrored in local backyard husbandry recommendations.
• Lot size / Minimum acreage: Ontario: No minimum lot size for the 5-hen limit, but birds must be "confined to the premises" at all times. Unincorporated: Large-scale poultry operations (CAFOs) are subject to significant state-level setbacks (up to 1 mile in some recent Oregon legislative discussions), but personal hobby flocks remain exempt.

Marion County

• Cities/Towns: Salem, Keizer, Silverton, Woodburn, Stayton, Aumsville, Hubbard, Jefferson, Mt. Angel, Sublimity, Turner, Donald, Aurora, Gervais, St. Paul, Detroit, Idanha
• Hens: Salem: Up to 12 poultry total (chickens, ducks, etc.) allowed for personal use. Keizer: Up to 6 hens (and 6 ducks) allowed; birds must be confined to a coop/run unless supervised. Silverton & Woodburn UGB: Limited to 3 hens maximum for properties within the Urban Growth Boundary. Unincorporated (Residential): Up to 6 hens allowed on standard residential lots outside city limits.
• Roosters: Salem, Keizer, & Silverton: Strictly prohibited in all residential city zones. Unincorporated: Allowed in EFU (Exclusive Farm Use) and Acreage Residential (AR) zones; prohibited in Single-Family Residential (RS) zones.
• Setback: Salem: Coops must be in the rear yard, 3ft from other buildings, and 25ft away from any neighbor's residence. Keizer: Coops must be in the rear yard and 10ft from property lines. Silverton: Must be 10ft from property lines and 20ft from adjacent dwellings.
• Permit: Salem: No permit or license required for the 12-bird limit. Keizer: The previous permit requirement was eliminated; no-cost registration is no longer required as of 2026. Unincorporated: A Conditional Use Permit is required for more than 10 birds in AR zones.
• Special Requirements (Ducks): Salem & Keizer: If keeping ducks, a water source (pond/tub) deep enough for the duck to submerge its head is legally mandated for animal welfare.
• Lot size / Minimum acreage: Salem: No minimum lot size for the 12-bird limit, but "Residential Agriculture" (RA) zones with 10,000+ sq. ft. are exempt from standard backyard constraints.

Morrow County

• Cities/Towns: Boardman, Heppner, Ione, Lexington, Irrigon
• Hens: Boardman (2026 Update): Up to 6 hens allowed (recently legalized via a 2025/2026 ordinance change). Lexington: Up to 6 birds total (chickens or ducks combined). Heppner: Generally allows small flocks (up to 5–6 hens) for non-commercial use. Unincorporated: Strictly protected by Right to Farm; no numerical limits on rural/EFU acreage.
• Roosters: Boardman, Lexington, & Heppner: Strictly prohibited within city limits. Unincorporated: Allowed, as Morrow is a primary agricultural zone.
• Setback: Boardman: Coops must be at least 5ft from neighboring property lines. Lexington: Extremely strict—coops must be 50ft from any neighboring dwelling, school, or church, and 15ft from property lines. Irrigon: Standard accessory structure setbacks apply (5–10ft).
• Permit: Lexington: Mandatory Coop License ($10 annual fee). Requires written landlord approval if renting. Boardman: Check with City Hall for the new 2026 registration process; no-cost registration was proposed during legalization.
• Lot size / Minimum acreage: Lexington: Minimum coop/run size of 24 sq. ft. is required regardless of flock size. Boardman: Personal use only; selling eggs, meat, or fertilizer from backyard flocks is strictly prohibited.
• Special Clause: Commercial Overlap: Morrow County is a major poultry production hub. Backyard keepers are strongly advised by the ODA to follow "Biosecurity for the Birds" protocols to prevent Avian Influenza transmission to local commercial flocks.

Multnomah County

• Cities/Towns: Portland, Gresham, Fairview, Troutdale, Wood Village, Corbett, Sauvie Island, Maywood Park
• Hens: Portland: Up to 4 small domestic fowl (chickens, ducks, etc.) allowed on any lot; up to 6 on lots 10,000 sq. ft. or larger. Gresham: Up to 3 adult hens allowed on single-family residential properties. Troutdale: Up to 3 hens allowed; recently modernized their "Keeping Chickens" code in late 2025. Unincorporated (Corbett/Sauvie Island): Protected by Right to Farm; no numerical limits on rural/EFU acreage.
• Roosters: Portland, Gresham, & Troutdale: Strictly prohibited. Note: Portland allows roosters only on lots 20,000+ sq. ft. zoned for agricultural use.
• Setback: Portland: Coops must be 15ft from any neighbor’s residence (or 15ft from walls of all residential units on multi-unit lots). Gresham: Extremely strict—coops must be 25 feet from any neighbor's dwelling and 10 feet from property lines. Fairview: Coops must be in the rear yard and 20 feet from neighbor property lines.
• Permit: Gresham: Mandatory $50 chicken permit (valid for 2 years). Multi-family properties are not eligible. Troutdale: Mandatory permit required via the Citizen Self Service (CSS) portal. Portland: No permit required for standard limits (4-6 birds).
• Special 2026 Vector Rule: County-Wide: Multnomah County Vector Control (Health Dept) actively inspects coops for **rodent harborage**. Feed must be stored in galvanized metal bins with bungee-secured lids.
• Lot size / Minimum acreage: Portland: Tiered—4 birds (less than 10k sq. ft.), 6 birds (10k-20k sq. ft.), no limit (20k+ sq. ft. with AG zoning). Wood Village: Allows hens but requires a sight-obscuring fence or shrub screening if the coop is visible from the street.

Polk County

• Cities/Towns: Dallas, Independence, Monmouth, Falls City, Willamina (part), Grand Ronde, Rickreall, Eola
• Hens: Dallas: Up to 5 hens allowed on standard residential lots. Monmouth: Up to 6 hens allowed; strictly limited to single-family detached dwellings. Independence: Generally allows small flocks (up to 5 hens) for personal use. Falls City: Very permissive; follows a nuisance-based approach rather than strict bird counts. Unincorporated: Permissive; rural residential zones typically allow larger flocks, though CC&Rs in newer subdivisions often overrule county law.
• Roosters: Dallas, Monmouth, & Independence: Strictly prohibited in all residential city zones. Falls City: Discouraged but often managed through "Disturbing the Peace" noise ordinances. Unincorporated: Allowed, as much of the county is intensive agricultural land.
• Setback: Monmouth: Extremely specific—coops must be 10ft from property lines and 35ft from any neighbor's dwelling, church, or school. Dallas: Coops must be in the rear yard and follow standard 5ft accessory structure setbacks. Independence: Structures must be located in the rear yard and screened from view of public streets.
• Permit: Monmouth: Mandatory "Urban Hen License ($25 annual fee)". Licenses expire April 30th and must be renewed by May 1st each year. Dallas: No specific permit fee for the 5-hen limit, but owners must comply with sanitation codes. Unincorporated: No permit required for personal flocks.
• Special 2026 Slaughter Rule: Monmouth: The city code explicitly prohibits the slaughter of any poultry within city limits. Dallas: No specific ban on harvesting for personal use, provided it is done out of public view.
• Lot size / Minimum acreage: Monmouth: Single-family lots only; residents of apartments, duplexes, or condos are strictly prohibited from keeping poultry. Independence: Large parcels (1+ acre) may apply for exemptions to keep a larger number of birds via the City Manager.

Sherman County

• Cities/Towns: Moro, Wasco, Grass Valley, Rufus, Kent, Biggs Junction
• Hens: Moro & Wasco: Permissive; small flocks (up to 10–12 hens) are generally accepted in residential areas as long as they are for personal use. Grass Valley: Very poultry-friendly; chickens are a common sight in backyard gardens. Rufus: Allows poultry, but given the proximity to the Columbia River, containment is strictly enforced to prevent attracting predators. Unincorporated: No hen limits; protected by the Right to Farm Act on agricultural and rural residential land.
• Roosters: Moro, Wasco, & Grass Valley: Technically allowed, but subject to "Public Nuisance" ordinances. If a rooster's crowing is deemed "persistent and unnecessary" by a neighbor, it can lead to a citation. Unincorporated: Fully allowed.
• Setback: General: Most Sherman County cities do not have a specific "chicken setback," but coops must follow standard accessory structure rules (typically 5ft from rear and side property lines). Sanitation: All cities mandate that coops be kept clean to prevent odors from crossing property lines, especially during the hot summer months.
• Permit: Sherman County (General): No specific permit or annual license fee is required for backyard poultry in any Sherman County municipality as of 2026. Note: Building permits are only required for permanent coops or "shed-style" structures exceeding 200 sq. ft.
• Lot size / Minimum acreage: Urban Zones: No minimum lot size is required for a small flock, provided the birds are contained within the owner's property. Note: Due to high winds in the region, the county recommends "heavy-set" coop designs or anchoring structures to prevent them from becoming airborne during Gorge wind events.

Tillamook County

• Cities/Towns: Tillamook (City), Bay City, Garibaldi, Rockaway Beach, Manzanita, Wheeler, Nehalem, Pacific City, Neskowin, Oceanside, Netarts, Cloverdale, Beaver, Hebo
• Hens: Tillamook (City): Up to 6 hens allowed on standard residential lots. Bay City: Up to 5 hens allowed; new 2026 animal control updates emphasize strict "no roaming" rules to protect coastal wildlife. Rockaway Beach & Manzanita: Permissive for small flocks (4–6 hens); rules focus heavily on predator-proof enclosures due to high cougar and bear activity in the Coast Range. Unincorporated: Strictly protected by Right to Farm; no numerical limits on EFU or Small Farm Woodlot acreage.
• Roosters: Tillamook, Bay City, & Garibaldi: Strictly prohibited within city limits. Wheeler & Nehalem: Generally prohibited in the "urban core" via noise and nuisance ordinances. Unincorporated: Fully allowed.
• Setback: Tillamook (City): Coops must be in the rear yard and at least 10ft from all property lines. Bay City: Structures must be 15ft from any neighboring dwelling and kept in a "non-offensive" sanitary condition. Coastal Zones: Due to erosion and high water tables, coops must not be placed within 50ft of a wetland or riparian boundary.
• Permit: Tillamook County (General): No specific "chicken license" fee for small flocks under 6 birds in most municipalities. Bay City: While no permit is required, 2026 revisions mandate that "Responsible Parties" ensure no food is left outdoors where it can be reached by raccoons or rats.
• Lot size / Minimum acreage: General: No minimum acreage for a small flock, but "Drainage Standards" are strictly enforced. Standing water in a chicken run is a citable "Public Health Nuisance" in Tillamook County.
• Special Coastal Rule: Vermin & Predator Control: As of 2026, many coastal towns (Manzanita/Oceanside) strongly recommend or require hardware cloth (not chicken wire) for all enclosures to prevent entry by raccoons and bears.

Umatilla County

• Cities/Towns: Pendleton, Hermiston, Milton-Freewater, Umatilla (City), Stanfield, Athena, Weston, Pilot Rock, Adams, Echo, Helix, Ukiah
• Hens: Pendleton: Up to 5 hens allowed on standard residential lots; must be for personal use. Hermiston: Up to 5 hens allowed; must be kept in the rear yard and contained at all times. Milton-Freewater: Up to 4 hens allowed on properties under 0.2 acres (following 2025/2026 state-aligned guidelines). Echo: Up to 6 hens allowed, provided each bird has 15 sq. ft. of dedicated enclosure space. Unincorporated: Generally no hen limit on EFU or Rural Residential land; protected by Right to Farm.
• Roosters: Pendleton & Hermiston: Strictly prohibited in residential city limits. Echo: Prohibited in the "urban core" to maintain peace and sanitation. Stanfield: Prohibited if they cause "frequent or long-continued noise" that disturbs neighbors. Unincorporated: Fully allowed.
• Setback: Echo: One of the strictest—enclosures must be 50 feet from any neighboring dwelling, school, or church. Pendleton: Coops must be in the rear yard and at least 10ft from property lines. Hermiston: Must maintain a sanitary distance from neighboring wells and residences (typically 15–20ft).
• Permit: Hermiston: No specific annual fee for the 5-hen limit, but code enforcement monitors for "nuisance" (smell/pests). Pendleton: No permit required for standard backyard flocks. Echo: Mandatory weekly manure collection; waste must be stored in fly-proof containers.
• Lot size / Minimum acreage: Milton-Freewater: The 4-hen limit is tied to a 0.2-acre baseline; larger parcels may apply for livestock exceptions. Umatilla (City): Allows poultry but emphasizes "vector control" (pest management) due to the proximity to the river.

Union County

• Cities/Towns: La Grande, Island City, Union (City), Elgin, Cove, Summerville, Imbler, North Powder
• Hens: La Grande: Allows poultry in residential zones only on lots that meet a 10,000 sq. ft. minimum. A mandatory Livestock Permit is required. Cove & Union: Generally permissive; small flocks (up to 6–10 hens) are standard, provided they do not create a sanitation nuisance. Unincorporated (Rural Center/R-1): Explicitly allows up to 24 chickens per 10,000 sq. ft. of dedicated area.
• Roosters: La Grande: Strictly prohibited in all standard residential zones. Elgin & North Powder: Allowed, but subject to "Quiet Conduct" ordinances; persistent crowing can be cited as a public nuisance. Unincorporated: Fully allowed.
• Setback: La Grande: Coops must be at least 20ft from any neighboring dwelling and 10ft from property lines. County (R-1 Zone): Structures must maintain a 10ft rear and 5ft side-yard setback. Cove: Enclosures must be located in the rear yard and kept "reasonably screened" from the main thoroughfare.
• Permit: La Grande: A Livestock Permit is required ($25–$50 fee range). Approval often hinges on neighbor proximity and a site plan of the coop. Cove/Union/Elgin: No specific annual "chicken license" required for small-scale personal use.
• Youth Education (4-H/FFA): La Grande Special Rule: Even in zones where livestock are restricted, a special provision allows for poultry/sheep to be kept for authorized 4-H or FFA youth projects with a temporary permit.
• Lot size / Minimum acreage: La Grande: The 10,000 sq. ft. lot size is a "hard floor" for poultry; properties smaller than this are generally ineligible for a Livestock Permit. County Density: The 24-bird-per-10k-sq.-ft. rule means a full acre (approx. 43,560 sq. ft.) could technically house up to 96-100 birds before hitting commercial-scale triggers.

Wallowa County

• Cities/Towns: Enterprise, Joseph, Wallowa (City), Lostine, Flora, Troy, Imnaha
• Hens: Wallowa (City): Up to 12 chickens allowed per lot (limit includes a aggregate cap of 12 for all poultry like ducks/geese). Joseph (2026 Update): New ordinance 2025-02 allows small backyard flocks but focuses on "Humane Treatment" and "Property Damage" rather than strict bird counts. Enterprise: Generally allows up to 5–6 hens in residential zones for non-commercial use. Unincorporated: Strictly protected by Right to Farm; no numerical limits on rural or grazing land.
• Roosters: Enterprise & Joseph: Prohibited in the residential city core due to noise nuisance codes. Wallowa (City): Technically allowed if they do not cause "avoidable irritation" or "frequent noises," but discouraged in high-density blocks. Unincorporated: Fully allowed; roosters are a staple of the local agricultural landscape.
• Setback: Wallowa (City): Enclosures must be separated from all dwelling units and yards surrounding the same; fences must be maintained to prevent escape. Joseph: Coops must be in the rear yard and maintain standard accessory structure setbacks (typically 5–10ft). Enterprise: Must be located at least 20ft from any neighboring residence.
• Permit: Wallowa (City): No permit required for up to 12 chickens. A City Council permit is only required for "Wild Animals" or exceeding standard livestock limits. Joseph (New for 2026): No annual fee, but the Wallowa County Sheriff’s Office is now the primary enforcement agency for animal complaints.
• Special "Winter" Clause: County-Wide: Due to extreme alpine winters, local "Customary Practice" requires insulated or heated waterers. Failure to provide liquid water in sub-zero temps can be cited under new 2026 "Humane Treatment" clauses in Joseph and Enterprise.
• Lot size / Minimum acreage: Wallowa (City): No minimum lot size for the 12-bird limit, provided "Carrying Capacity" is not exceeded (vegetative cover must remain intact). Unincorporated: The County is currently designating "Priority Grazing Areas" between Wallowa and Joseph, which further protects livestock rights from urban encroachment projects.

Wasco County

• Cities/Towns: The Dalles, Dufur, Maupin, Mosier, Shaniko, Antelope, Tygh Valley, Wamic
• Hens: The Dalles (2026 Update): One of the most permissive in Oregon—allows up to 12 chickens on a standard lot with no minimum lot size. Lots over 10,000 sq. ft. can keep up to 20 birds. Dufur: Requires a city permit; generally limited to "domesticated egg-laying fowl." Maupin: Allows poultry, but specifically excludes ducks and geese in the residential core. Unincorporated: Protected by Right to Farm; 1,000-bird exemption for small-scale on-farm processing/sales is active for 2026.
• Roosters: The Dalles: Strictly prohibited in city limits unless a specific "Livestock Permit" for educational/non-conforming use is granted. Dufur & Maupin: Strictly prohibited. Unincorporated: Fully allowed.
• Setback: The Dalles: No specific numerical setback for the birds themselves, but the **Livestock Permit** (required for all owners) mandates that facilities be kept in a "sanitary condition" so odors don't cross property lines. Dufur: Highly unique—permits can be revoked if **over 50% of abutting neighbors** file a petition against the flock.
• Permit: The Dalles: A "Livestock Permit" is mandatory for all chickens. As of 2026, these permits are valid until June 30th of the third year after issuance (3-year cycle). Dufur: Mandatory permit required; renters must provide written landlord consent.
• Special "River" Clause: Mosier & The Dalles: Because of the proximity to the Columbia River, 2026 code enforcement prioritizes "Vector Control." All feed must be in rodent-proof containers to avoid attracting river-rats.
• Lot size / Minimum acreage: The Dalles: 1–12 birds (No minimum lot); 13–20 birds (10,000 sq. ft. minimum); 21+ birds (+1,000 sq. ft. per additional bird). Antelope/Shaniko: Generally no local restrictions; follow rural county guidelines.

Washington County

• Cities/Towns: Hillsboro, Beaverton, Tigard, Tualatin, Forest Grove, Sherwood, Cornelius, North Plains, Gaston, Aloha, Bethany, Cedar Mill, Bull Mountain
• Hens: Hillsboro: Up to 3 hens allowed on single-family lots (with 2026 code portal updates). Beaverton: Up to 4 hens allowed on standard residential lots. Tigard (2026 Update): Up to 4 small livestock (chickens/ducks) allowed; must be for personal use. Tualatin (NEW 2026): Ordinance 1454-26 recently expanded "Domestic Fowl" rights. Up to 4 birds are now allowed in the RL Planning District. Unincorporated (Aloha/Bethany/Cedar Mill): No numerical limit. These areas follow the County CDC, which has no specific cap on poultry for personal use.
• Roosters: Hillsboro, Beaverton, Tigard, & Tualatin: Strictly prohibited in city limits. Unincorporated Washington County: Allowed. This is a major local anomaly—you can legally keep a rooster in the middle of a suburban neighborhood like Aloha if it’s outside city limits.
• Setback: Tualatin: Coops must be 10ft from property lines and 25ft from adjacent residences. Beaverton/Hillsboro: Coops must be in the rear yard and follow standard 5-10ft property line setbacks. Tigard: Enclosures must be at least 10ft from all property lines and screened from view of the street.
• Permit: Tualatin: Mandatory license required; must be renewed every 5 years. Tigard: No permit for up to 4 birds, but must follow strict "Urban Agriculture" standards. Beaverton/Hillsboro/Unincorporated: No permit or license fee required as of 2026.
• Special "Vermin" Standard: City-Wide: 2026 enforcement in tech-heavy areas (Hillsboro/Beaverton) focuses on "Vermin-Proof" storage. Feed must be kept in metal containers; hanging feeders are "strongly encouraged" to prevent attracting rats.
• Lot size / Minimum acreage: Tualatin: Only allowed in Low Density Residential (RL) zones. Not allowed in apartments or high-density condos. Hillsboro: The 2026 "Omnibus" code clarified that temporary structures (tractors) are allowed if they meet the rear-yard requirement.

Wheeler County

• Cities/Towns: Fossil, Spray, Mitchell, Richmond, Winlock
• Hens: Fossil: Highly permissive; no specific numerical cap on hens for personal use, provided they are not a nuisance. Spray & Mitchell: Generally allows backyard flocks (up to 10–12 birds) in residential zones; rural lifestyle is the local norm. Unincorporated: Strictly protected by Right to Farm; no limits on flock size for rural or agricultural acreage.
• Roosters: Fossil: Allowed, but subject to "Public Nuisance" complaints if noise is excessive and unnecessary. Spray: Generally allowed; roosters are common in the town's residential-agricultural mix. Unincorporated: Fully allowed and common.
• Setback: General: Most Wheeler County towns do not have a dedicated "chicken setback." Coops must follow basic accessory structure rules (5ft from property lines). Containment: While rules are relaxed, birds must be contained on the owner's property to prevent them from "running at large" into public streets or neighbor gardens.
• Permit: Wheeler County (All Cities): No specific "chicken permit," annual fee, or registration is required as of 2026. Slaughter: Harvesting for personal use is widely accepted and legal, provided it is done discreetly.
• Special 2026 "Open Range" Reminder: County-Wide: Much of Wheeler County is Open Range. While this usually applies to cattle, it reinforces a "fence-out" culture. However, in city limits (Fossil/Spray), owners are legally responsible for keeping their poultry fenced-in.
• Lot size / Minimum acreage: Urban Zones: No minimum lot size required; even small town lots can typically host a productive flock.

Yamhill County

• Cities/Towns: McMinnville, Newberg, Dundee, Carlton, Lafayette, Amity, Sheridan, Willamina, Yamhill (City), Dayton
• Hens: McMinnville: Tiered based on lot size. You need at least 5,000 sq. ft. for the first 2 hens; each additional hen requires an extra 1,000 sq. ft. of lot area. Newberg: Allows up to 5 hens; flocks of 6+ require a specific Livestock Permit. Dundee: Up to 6 hens allowed on standard residential lots. Amity: Allows 1 bird per 1,000 sq. ft. of property (e.g., 6,000 sq. ft. lot = 6 birds). Unincorporated: Heavily protected by Right to Farm; no numerical limits on EFU or AF (Agriculture/Forestry) zones.
• Roosters: McMinnville, Newberg, & Dundee: Strictly prohibited in all residential zones. Carlton: Generally prohibited via noise/nuisance codes; roosters are a "high-risk" for citations here. Unincorporated: Fully allowed.
• Setback: McMinnville: Very strict—coops cannot be within 70ft of the front property line, 10ft from the rear, or 15ft from the side. Amity: Coops must be in the rear half of the property and at least 80ft from the front property line. Newberg: No specific numerical distance, but must be in the rear yard and pass a "rights of others" inspection.
• Permit: Newberg: A Wild/Domestic Animal Permit is required. As of 2026, there is no cost for this permit, but an inspection of the coop is mandatory. McMinnville: No permit required for standard flocks, but the "lot-math" is strictly enforced by code compliance. Sheridan: Mandatory permit required for all owners ($15 fee).
• Slaughter/Harvesting: McMinnville & Sheridan: The slaughter of animals is strictly prohibited in all residential zones. Carlton: No explicit ban, but subject to strict "offensive odor" nuisance laws.
• Special "Wine Country" Rule: Manure Management: In cities like Dundee and Carlton, 2026 nuisance codes emphasize that manure cannot be visible or "odor-detectable" from the public right-of-way to protect the "tasting room experience."

Unincorporated Communities & Census-Designated Places (CDPs)

If you live outside official city limits in a Census-Designated Place (CDP) or an unincorporated community, you are governed by County Code. In Oregon, county rules are almost always more permissive than city ordinances, often allowing roosters and larger flocks.

Note: If you aren't sure if you are "in" the city, look at your street signs. Blue or green signs without a city logo often indicate you are in an unincorporated area!

Selling Backyard Eggs in Oregon

Oregon allows small-scale poultry keepers to sell eggs directly to the end consumer under the Farm Direct Marketing Act. While a license is often not required for backyard flocks, Oregon has strict safety standards for temperature and labeling that must be met to remain exempt from ODA licensing.

• Small Scale Sales (Exempt): You may sell from your home, a farm stand, or a farmers market without an ODA Egg Handler's License, provided you produced the eggs yourself.
• Labeling Requirements: Cartons must be clearly marked with:
  • The term "Ungraded" (if not officially graded).
  • The Producer’s Name and Address.
  • The Pack Date (or Julian date).
  • Safe Handling Instructions: "To prevent illness from bacteria: keep eggs refrigerated, cook eggs until yolks are firm, and cook foods containing eggs thoroughly."
• Mandatory Candling: Even for "ungraded" farm-direct sales, Oregon law requires eggs to be candled to ensure they are free from blood spots, checks (cracks), or leakers.
• When a License IS Required: You must obtain an ODA Egg Handler's License if you sell eggs to "intermediaries" such as grocery stores, cafes, restaurants, or bakeries, or if you sell eggs produced by someone else.

Note: Oregon’s Cage-Free Mandate (SB 1019) is now fully in effect. While it primarily targets commercial operations with 3,000+ birds, all eggs sold in Oregon must technically come from hens kept in cage-free environments with perches and nesting boxes.

Oregon State Poultry Slaughter Rules

Oregon law provides a unique "Farm Direct" exemption that allows small-scale producers to slaughter birds without a state license, provided they follow strict volume and sales-location limits. These rules are governed by the Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) and the Poultry Product Inspection Act.

• Personal Use: Under the "Custom-Exempt" rule, you may slaughter poultry you have raised for your own household consumption without any state inspection or licensing. This meat cannot be sold or given away to anyone outside your immediate household.
• Commercial Sale (The 1,000-Bird Exemption): Oregon’s "Poultry Bill" (ORS 603.038) allows you to process up to 1,000 birds per year without a license if:
  • You raised the birds yourself from 2 weeks of age or younger.
  • You sell only whole carcasses (no cutting into parts).
  • The birds are sold on-farm directly to the end consumer.
  • You include a mandatory label stating: THIS PRODUCT MAY NOT LEAVE THE STATE OF OREGON in 1/4-inch tall lettering.
• Humane Standards: All slaughtering must be conducted in a "sanitary and humane manner." While Oregon allows open-air slaughter for the 1,000-bird exemption, the site must be protected from dust, mud, and pests using canopies or mats. Birds must be rendered insensible to pain before being bled.
• Nuisance Laws: Even where slaughter is legal, local nuisance ordinances apply. Most Oregon cities (like Portland, Salem, and Eugene) prohibit slaughtering in "public view" or in a manner that creates offensive odors or noise that disturbs neighbors. Carcasses and waste must be disposed of immediately according to DEQ standards to avoid attracting predators or pests.

Next Step: Essential Guides for Backyard Chicken Success

To deal with the constant Oregon rain, our moisture-wicking DIY coop plans feature deep eaves and sloped roofing to keep the interior bone-dry. For ongoing care, view our Ultimate Backyard Chicken Coop Management Guide.