Can I keep chickens in Eugene, OR?
Yes — Eugene allows backyard chickens, up to 6 hens with no permit required. Roosters are prohibited, and coops must be at least 10 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (Eugene Code 9.5250 (Urban Animal Keeping Standards), verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Yes |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | 6 |
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Permit required | No |
| Coop setback | 10 ft |
| Home slaughter | Allowed with restrictions |
| Coop rules | Roofed enclosure with at least two solid sides; all shelter structures at least 10 ft from property lines unless the adjacent owner authorizes closer in writing. On lots 20,000 sq ft+, area requirement is 1,000 sq ft of site per chicken/fowl over 6 months. Fencing required to confine animals. |
| Code section | Eugene Code 9.5250 (Urban Animal Keeping Standards) |
On lots under 20,000 sq ft in zones allowing Urban Animal Keeping, Eugene allows up to 6 chickens/domestic fowl over six months plus up to 6 under six months, with no permit required. Roosters, geese, peacocks, and turkeys are prohibited. On lots 20,000 sq ft+, the number is governed by a 1,000-sq-ft-per-animal area requirement, and on-site harvesting of chickens is permitted (no commercial slaughterhouse).
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Eugene?
Yes — chickens are allowed in Eugene (Eugene Code 9.5250 (Urban Animal Keeping Standards)).
How many chickens can I keep in Eugene?
Up to 6 hens. Lots under 20,000 sq ft: up to 6 chickens/domestic fowl over six months plus up to 6 under six months. Lots 20,000 sq ft and greater: limited by area requirement of 1,000 sq ft per chicken/fowl over 6 months..
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Eugene?
No — no permit is required for the base allowance in Eugene.
Are roosters allowed in Eugene?
No — roosters are prohibited in Eugene.
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in Eugene?
10 feet minimum. Roofed enclosure with at least two solid sides; all shelter structures at least 10 ft from property lines unless the adjacent owner authorizes closer in writing. On lots 20,000 sq ft+, area requirement is 1,000 sq ft of site per chicken/fowl over 6 months. Fencing required to confine animals.
Can I slaughter chickens at home in Eugene?
Yes, with restrictions — see the city's rules in Eugene Code 9.5250 (Urban Animal Keeping Standards).
What law covers backyard chickens in Eugene?
Eugene Code 9.5250 (Urban Animal Keeping Standards). Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Eugene Code 9.5250 (Urban Animal Keeping Standards) — read the official code
“Chickens and Domestic Fowl. Up to 6 of any combination of chickens and domestic fowl over six months of age and up to 6 of any combination of chickens and domestic fowl under six months of age... Roosters, geese, peacocks, and turkeys are prohibited.” source
“All structures designed and used to provide shelter for all animals shall be located at least 10 feet from all property lines, except where an adjacent property owner authorizes in writing that an enclosure can be located closer to the neighbor's property.” source
“Only chickens, domestic fowl, or rabbits can be harvested on site... No commercial slaughterhouse shall be allowed.” source
Last verified June 14, 2026. Always confirm with your municipality — HOA rules can be stricter than city code. How we verify →
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