Can I keep chickens in Kirkland, WA?
Yes, with conditions — Kirkland allows chickens only in certain zones or lot configurations (up to 3 hens where permitted). Roosters are prohibited. (KZC 115.20, verified July 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Conditional (zone / lot rules) |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | 3 |
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Permit required | No |
| Coop rules | Suitable structure/pen required, kept clean; mobile chicken tractors may go anywhere in fenced yard; structures over 100 sq ft must be 40 ft from each property line. |
| Code section | KZC 115.20 |
Kirkland allows fowl only in low-density residential zones (prohibited in multifamily zones) - zone-conditional. In permitted zones: 3 fowl regardless of lot size, +1 chicken per 1,000 sq ft above 5,000 sq ft, max 20 on lots under 35,000 sq ft. No permit. Roosters prohibited except legacy RSA-zone birds predating Aug 15, 2012.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Kirkland?
Yes, with conditions — Kirkland allows chickens only in certain zones or situations (KZC 115.20).
How many chickens can I keep in Kirkland?
Up to 3 hens. 3 hens, +1 per 1,000 sq ft above 5,000, max 20. Rules vary by zoning district — check the full summary for your zone.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Kirkland?
No — no permit is required for the base allowance in Kirkland.
Are roosters allowed in Kirkland?
No — roosters are prohibited in Kirkland.
What law covers backyard chickens in Kirkland?
KZC 115.20. Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
KZC 115.20 — read the official code
“Fowl. 1) Permitted Locations - Low density zones. 2) Required Review Process - None.” source
“Three (3) fowl, regardless of lot size ... One (1) additional chicken for each 1,000 square feet of lot area above 5,000 square feet, up to a maximum of 20 chickens.” source
“Chickens and Fowl are prohibited in Multifamily Zones” source
“Three (3) fowl, regardless of lot size. One (1) additional chicken for each 1,000 square feet of lot area above 5,000 square feet, up to a maximum of 20 chickens. Roosters are prohibited except for those in RSA zones existing prior to August 15, 2012.” 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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