Can I keep chickens in Spokane, WA?
Yes — Spokane allows backyard chickens with no permit required. Roosters are prohibited. (SMC 17C.310.115, verified July 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Yes |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | 1 per 1,000 sq ft |
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Permit required | No |
| Coop rules | Animal enclosures must meet accessory-structure development standards and setbacks (SMC 17C.111.240). |
| Code section | SMC 17C.310.115 |
Spokane permits chickens outright in RA, R1, R2, RMF, RHD and any zone allowing dwellings, with the number tied to lot size: one fowl per 1,000 sq ft of lot area, so no single fixed cap. Roosters only allowed in the RA zone. No city permit required for hens.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Spokane?
Yes — chickens are allowed in Spokane (SMC 17C.310.115).
How many chickens can I keep in Spokane?
It depends on your lot. 1 hen per 1,000 sq ft of lot area.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Spokane?
No — no permit is required for the base allowance in Spokane.
Are roosters allowed in Spokane?
No — roosters are prohibited in Spokane.
What law covers backyard chickens in Spokane?
SMC 17C.310.115. Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
SMC 17C.310.115 — read the official code
“The keeping of small domestic animals is permitted outright in the RA, R1, R2, RMF, and RHD zones and any zone that permits dwelling units.” source
“One animal or fowl, other than small livestock, per one thousand square feet of lot area.” source
“Roosters and peacocks are only allowed in RA zone within the City.” 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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