Can I keep chickens in Bellingham, WA?
Yes — Bellingham allows backyard chickens with no permit required. Coops must be at least 50 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (BMC 7.12.060, verified July 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Yes |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | No numeric cap |
| Permit required | No |
| Coop setback | 50 ft |
| Coop rules | Fowl must be securely confined in a stable/building or fenced enclosure such that they cannot get within 50 ft of any dwelling or building where people work; premises kept clean and sanitary. |
| Code section | BMC 7.12.060 |
Bellingham permits chickens and other domesticated fowl citywide with no numeric cap, provided they are securely confined at least 50 ft from any dwelling or occupied building. No permit; violations fined up to $250. Roosters not expressly prohibited in the section read - left null, not inferred.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Bellingham?
Yes — chickens are allowed in Bellingham (BMC 7.12.060).
How many chickens can I keep in Bellingham?
Bellingham sets no numeric cap on hens.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Bellingham?
No — no permit is required for the base allowance in Bellingham.
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in Bellingham?
50 feet minimum. Fowl must be securely confined in a stable/building or fenced enclosure such that they cannot get within 50 ft of any dwelling or building where people work; premises kept clean and sanitary.
What law covers backyard chickens in Bellingham?
BMC 7.12.060. Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
BMC 7.12.060 — read the official code
“any animal of the species of ... domesticated fowl ... including but not limited to, duck, chicken, goose, turkey or peafowl ... shall be permitted to keep the same within the limits of the city” source
“so confined or staked out as to effectively prevent it getting within 50 feet of any dwelling or other building in which persons work or are accustomed to be” source
Last verified July 7, 2026. Always confirm with your municipality — HOA rules can be stricter than city code. How we verify →
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