Can I keep chickens in Tualatin, OR?
Yes, with conditions — Tualatin allows chickens only in certain zones or lot configurations (up to 4 hens where permitted). Roosters are prohibited, and coops must be at least 10 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (Tualatin Municipal Code Chapter 6-15 (Domestic Fowl), TMC 6-15-030, verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Conditional (zone / lot rules) |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | 4 |
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Permit required | Yes |
| Coop setback | 10 ft |
| Home slaughter | Not allowed |
| Coop rules | Facility must be in the rear yard, at least 10 ft from all property lines and 25 ft from abutting residences, no more than 200 sq ft and 8 ft tall, with at least three enclosed sides; feed stored in vermin-proof containers. |
| Code section | Tualatin Municipal Code Chapter 6-15 (Domestic Fowl), TMC 6-15-030 |
Tualatin permits up to four domestic fowl (of any combined type) per lot, but only within the Low Density Residential (RL) Planning District and only with a license (renewed every 5 years), making it zone-dependent. Roosters, geese, guinea fowl, peacocks, turkeys, emus, and ostriches are prohibited, and on-site slaughter is banned. The fowl facility must be in the rear yard, 10 ft from property lines and 25 ft from abutting residences.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Tualatin?
Yes, with conditions — Tualatin allows chickens only in certain zones or situations (Tualatin Municipal Code Chapter 6-15 (Domestic Fowl), TMC 6-15-030).
How many chickens can I keep in Tualatin?
Up to 4 hens. Rules vary by zoning district — check the full summary for your zone.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Tualatin?
Yes — Tualatin requires a permit or registration before keeping chickens.
Are roosters allowed in Tualatin?
No — roosters are prohibited in Tualatin.
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in Tualatin?
10 feet minimum. Facility must be in the rear yard, at least 10 ft from all property lines and 25 ft from abutting residences, no more than 200 sq ft and 8 ft tall, with at least three enclosed sides; feed stored in vermin-proof containers.
Can I slaughter chickens at home in Tualatin?
No — slaughter is not permitted under Tualatin's code.
What law covers backyard chickens in Tualatin?
Tualatin Municipal Code Chapter 6-15 (Domestic Fowl), TMC 6-15-030. Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Tualatin Municipal Code Chapter 6-15 (Domestic Fowl), TMC 6-15-030 — read the official code
“Domestic fowl are permitted only within the Low Density Residential (RL) Planning District.” source
“A combined maximum of four domestic fowl of any type are permitted on any one lot;” source
“A license is required to keep domestic fowl, and it must be renewed every five (5) years.” source
“Roosters, geese, guinea fowl, peacocks, turkeys, emus, and ostriches are prohibited;” 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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