Can I keep chickens in Washington, DC?

Yes — Washington allows backyard chickens with a required permit/registration. (D.C. Code § 8-1808(j)(1)(D); D.C. Code § 8-1804.01, verified June 2026)

✓ AllowedPermit / registration required

How many hens can you keep?

Washington sets no numeric limit on hens.

The full rules

Chickens allowed	Yes
Maximum hens	No numeric cap
Permit required	Yes ($20)
Coop rules	No specific coop construction rules in statute. Animals must receive adequate care, adequate shelter, adequate space, and adequate water. No objectionable odors or noises permitted under hobby permit conditions.
Code section	D.C. Code § 8-1808(j)(1)(D); D.C. Code § 8-1804.01

Washington DC explicitly permits chickens under D.C. Code § 8-1808(j)(1)(D), which lists captive-bred species of common cage birds, including chickens, among animals legal to keep. No maximum hen count or rooster prohibition exists in statute. An animal hobby permit ($20/year) is required only when keeping 7 or more animals total (all species combined that are larger than a guinea pig and over 4 months old).

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Common questions

Can I keep chickens in Washington?

Yes — chickens are allowed in Washington (D.C. Code § 8-1808(j)(1)(D); D.C. Code § 8-1804.01).

How many chickens can I keep in Washington?

Washington sets no numeric cap on hens.

Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Washington?

Yes — Washington requires a permit or registration before keeping chickens (fee: $20).

What law covers backyard chickens in Washington?

D.C. Code § 8-1808(j)(1)(D); D.C. Code § 8-1804.01. Read the official text at the source linked on this page.

The actual law

D.C. Code § 8-1808(j)(1)(D); D.C. Code § 8-1804.01 — read the official code

“Captive-bred species of common cage birds, including chickens” source

“A holder of an animal hobby permit shall not permit objectionable odors or noises to disturb the comfort or quiet of any neighborhood” source

“Captive-bred species of common cage birds, including chickens — no numerical cap stated in statute” source

“Hobby Permit $20.00 (per year)” source

Last verified June 15, 2026. Always confirm with your municipality — HOA rules can be stricter than city code. How we verify →

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