Regulations

Snohomish County

Raising livestock on residential properties in Snohomish County, Washington, is subject to specific regulations that vary depending on your property’s location (within city limits or unincorporated county areas) and size. Here’s a simplified overview:

Within the City of Snohomish:

• Chickens and Small Animals:
  • Minimum Lot Size: 5,000 square feet.
  • Allowed Animals: Up to five female fowl (e.g., hens) weighing less than five pounds.
  • Enclosures: Animals kept outside must be housed in coops, hutches, pens, or appropriate enclosures with a minimum setback of 10 feet from all property lines.
  • Roosters: Keeping roosters is prohibited.
• Small Livestock (e.g., sheep, goats, swine):
  • Minimum Lot Size: 20,000 square feet for up to four animals.
  • Additional Animals: One extra animal is permitted for each additional 5,000 square feet beyond the initial 20,000 square feet.
  • Enclosures: Suitable structures or fences are required to prevent animals from leaving the property.
  • Setbacks for Shelters: All shelter buildings exceeding 100 square feet must be set back at least 60 feet from any property line.
• General Requirements:
  • Maintain the property in a sanitary condition, free from objectionable noises and odors.
  • Ensure animals are contained within your property and cared for humanely.
  • Keep livestock away from critical area buffers associated with wetlands, streams, rivers, lakes, and habitat conservation areas.

snohomish.municipal.codes

In Unincorporated Snohomish County:

Regulations for raising livestock in unincorporated areas are outlined in the Snohomish County Code. Specific rules can vary based on zoning and property size. For detailed information, refer to the Snohomish County Code or contact the county’s Planning and Development Services.

snohomish.county.codes

Always consult the latest local ordinances and codes to ensure compliance, as regulations can change. For properties within city limits, refer to the city’s municipal code. For properties in unincorporated areas, consult the Snohomish County Code.

Snohomish County Regulations, Permits, and Zoning Maps

These maps will help you identify areas where livestock ownership may be restricted based on zoning regulations.

Snohomish County Zoning Map Viewer

The Zoning Map Viewer is an interactive tool that provides quick access to information on zoning, urban growth areas, lot status, and notification areas. By entering a specific address or navigating to an area of interest, you can identify the zoning designation and refer to the corresponding regulations to understand livestock ownership permissions.

PDS Map Portal

The PDS Map Portal offers access to a wealth of planning-related information for unincorporated Snohomish County, including future land use, critical area regulations, and zoning. This resource can assist in determining where livestock ownership is allowed or prohibited.

City of Snohomish Interactive Zoning Map

For properties within the City of Snohomish, the city’s Interactive Zoning Map allows you to enter an address or navigate to an area to determine its zoning designation. Zoning designations correspond to the regulations of the Snohomish Municipal Code, Title 14.

Zoning Quad Maps

Snohomish County provides Zoning Quad Maps that divide the county into sections, each containing detailed zoning information. These maps can be downloaded and reviewed to understand zoning designations in specific areas.

By utilizing these resources, you can identify areas within Snohomish County where livestock ownership is permitted or restricted based on zoning regulations.

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King County

In King County, Washington, the rules for keeping livestock on residential properties depend on the size of your property and the type of animals you wish to keep. Here’s a simplified overview but always check with your city’s up-to-date ordinances:

Property Size and Livestock Density:

General Requirements:

• Shelter and Confinement:
  • Animals must be confined within a building, pen, aviary, or similar structure.
  • Structures used to house, confine, or feed livestock should be located at least 10 feet from any property line and 35 feet from any residence existing when the structure is built. For swine, this distance increases to 100 feet.
• Manure Management:
  • Manure should be stored in a way that prevents runoff into streams or wetlands.
  • Manure piles must be located at least 50 feet from any wetland edge, stream, or ditch.
  • Manure should only be spread on fields during the growing season and not on saturated or frozen fields.

Additional Considerations:

• Local Regulations:
  • If your property is within a city in King County, local city regulations may apply and can differ from county rules. It’s important to consult your city’s specific ordinances regarding livestock.
• Environmental Impact:
  • The Livestock Management Ordinance aims to minimize environmental impacts, particularly on water quality and salmon habitats. Following best management practices is essential.

By adhering to these guidelines, you can responsibly raise livestock on your residential property in King County while ensuring compliance with local regulations and environmental standards.

King County Regulations, Permits, and Zoning Maps

In King County, Washington, regulations regarding livestock ownership vary based on zoning designations and property sizes. The county provides resources to help residents determine where livestock ownership is permitted or restricted.

King County Zoning Information

King County manages zoning, land use, and permits for unincorporated areas. Each city within the county has jurisdiction over its own zoning regulations. For unincorporated areas, the King County GIS Center offers zoning information. You can access general information about zoning codes for unincorporated King County on their website. https://kingcounty.gov/en/dept/kcit/data-information-services/gis-center/property-research/zoning

Livestock Management Ordinance

The Livestock Management Ordinance (King County Code 21A.30) sets rules to minimize environmental impacts from keeping livestock. The ordinance specifies livestock densities based on property size and outlines management standards. For example, properties are generally allowed one large animal per two acres, with specific conditions for keeping more animals. https://your.kingcounty.gov/dnrp/library/2009/kcr2621.pdf

For more detailed information, you can refer to King County’s resources on livestock management and small animal regulations. https://www.kingcounty.gov/~/media/depts/permitting-environmental-review/dper/documents/bulletins/41A.ashx

Interactive Mapping Tools

While specific interactive zoning maps for King County are limited, the King County GIS Center provides various mapping tools that can assist in understanding zoning designations. These tools can help you determine the zoning of a specific property and understand the associated regulations. https://kingcounty.gov/en/dept/kcit/data-information-services/gis-center/property-research/zoning

City-Specific Regulations

If your property is within a city in King County, it’s important to consult the city’s specific regulations, as they may differ from county rules. For example, the City of Seattle provides zoning map books that show current zoning information for properties and neighborhoods. https://www.seattle.gov/sdci/resources/zoning-map-books

By consulting these resources, you can determine where livestock ownership is permitted or restricted in King County based on zoning regulations.

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Pierce County

In Pierce County, Washington, the regulations for raising livestock depend on your property’s location (urban or rural) and its size. Here’s a simplified overview:

Urban Areas:

• Lots less than 0.5 acres:
  • Up to 2 small livestock (e.g., pygmy goats, miniature horses) are allowed; larger livestock are prohibited.
  • A maximum of 5 small animals (e.g., chickens, rabbits), excluding dogs and cats, are permitted.
  • Roosters, peacocks, and male turkeys are not allowed.
• Lots between 0.5 and less than 5 acres:
  • Up to 2 small livestock and 2 additional larger livestock (over 12 months old) are permitted.
  • Up to 12 small animals per acre are allowed, excluding dogs and cats.
  • Roosters, peacocks, and male turkeys are prohibited on lots smaller than 1 acre.
• Lots 5 acres or larger:
  • There are no restrictions on the number of livestock or small animals.

Rural Areas:

• Lots less than 0.5 acres:
  • Up to 2 small livestock are allowed; larger livestock are prohibited.
  • A maximum of 24 small animals, excluding dogs and cats, are permitted.
• Lots 0.5 acres or larger:
  • There are no restrictions on the number of small livestock, larger livestock, or small animals.

General Requirements:

• Animal Enclosures: Structures like barns, stables, and coops must not be located in front yards and should be set back from adjacent residential property lines as follows:
  • 15 feet for poultry or rabbits.
  • 10 feet for other small animals and small livestock.
  • 45 feet for larger livestock.
  • 75 feet for kennels and catteries.
• Manure Management: On lots smaller than 0.5 acres, manure must be collected and stored in covered containers to prevent health hazards.

For detailed information and to ensure compliance with all regulations, it’s advisable to consult the Pierce County Code, particularly Section 18A.37.060, and contact the Pierce County Planning and Public Works Department.

Pierce County Regulations, Permits, and Zoning Maps

Here are the key government resources detailing regulations on raising livestock in Pierce County, Washington:

Pierce County Regulations:

• Pierce County Code Title 18A.37.060 – Agricultural Uses and Animals: This section outlines the county’s zoning regulations related to livestock, including limitations based on lot size and zoning designation. piercecountywa.gov
• Livestock and Fowl Information: Provides an overview of regulations concerning the keeping of livestock and fowl in Pierce County, including minimum lot size requirements and standards for environmentally sensitive areas. piercecountywa.gov
• Chickens, Livestock, and Pets FAQ: Answers common questions about raising various animals on your property, with details on zoning regulations and limitations based on lot size. piercecountywa.gov

Washington State Regulations:

• Revised Code of Washington (RCW) Title 16 – Animals and Livestock: Contains state laws pertaining to the identification, management, and health of livestock. agr.wa.gov
• Washington Administrative Code (WAC) Title 16 – Agriculture: Includes administrative rules related to animal health, import requirements, and livestock identification. agr.wa.gov
• Livestock Inspection Program: Details the state’s livestock inspection requirements, including brand recording and inspection procedures. agr.wa.gov

For comprehensive understanding and compliance, it’s advisable to review these documents and consult with the Pierce County Planning and Public Works Department or the Washington State Department of Agriculture as needed.

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Thurston County

In Thurston County, Washington, regulations for keeping livestock and small farm animals depend on your property’s size. Here’s a simplified overview:

Properties Smaller than 2 Acres:

• Chickens:
  • Up to ¼ Acre: You can keep up to 5 female chickens.
  • ¼ Acre to 1 Acre: Up to 20 female chickens are permitted.
  • 1 Acre and Larger: You may have 20 female chickens per half-acre.
  • Housing: Chickens must be kept in sanitary coops that protect them from weather and predators. Coops should be easy to clean and placed at least 5 feet from side and rear property lines, and 15 feet from the front property line.
  • Prohibited Animals: Roosters older than 12 weeks, geese, and peacocks are not allowed.
• Other Small Animals:
  • Miniature Goats (e.g., pygmy, dwarf):
    • 5,000 sq ft to ¼ Acre: Up to 2 miniature goats.
    • ¼ Acre to 1 Acre: Up to 4 miniature goats.
    • 1 Acre and Larger: Up to 6 miniature goats.
    • Note: Nursing offspring can stay until weaned, up to 12 weeks old.
  • Ducks and Turkeys: On lots larger than 7,500 square feet, you can keep up to 4 ducks or turkeys in any combination.
  • Miniature Potbelly Pigs: One per dwelling unit, not exceeding 22 inches in shoulder height or 150 pounds.
  • Housing for Other Animals: Similar to chicken coops, enclosures must be sanitary, predator-proof, and placed at least 5 feet from side and rear property lines, and 15 feet from the front property line.

Properties 2 Acres and Larger:

• Livestock Density: You may have one USDA Animal Unit (AU) per acre. An AU equals 1,000 pounds of live animal weight, which can be a single animal or a combination.
• Animal Structures: Buildings like barns must be at least 50 feet away from property lines.
• Prohibited Animals: Roosters older than 12 weeks, geese, and peacocks are not allowed.

General Rules:

• Animal Confinement: All animals must be kept within your property boundaries.
• Rodent Prevention: Structures should be designed to prevent rodent infestations by:
  • Raising the floor at least 8 inches above ground.
  • Using portable pens moved regularly with ground cleanup.
  • Implementing other effective methods.
• Running at Large: It’s illegal to let your animals roam onto others’ properties or public areas without permission.

For detailed information, refer to Thurston County’s Urban Agriculture regulations. library.municode.com

Thurston County Regulations, Permits, and Zoning

For comprehensive information on regulations related to raising livestock in Thurston County, Washington, please refer to the following official county resources:

1. Thurston County Zoning Codes: This resource provides detailed information on zoning regulations, which determine permissible land uses, building requirements, and other property-specific guidelines. thurstoncountywa.gov
2. Thurston County Community Agriculture Program: This program offers support and guidance for agricultural activities within the county, including updates to rules and policies, assistance with permits, and information on land conservation programs. thurstoncountywa.gov
3. Environmental Health Codes and Regulations: These codes are designed to promote public health, safety, and welfare, covering various aspects of environmental health that may pertain to livestock management. thurstoncountywa.gov

For specific regulations, such as the number of animals allowed per acre, structure placement, and prohibited animals, please refer to the Thurston County Code, particularly Title 22, Chapter 22.37 – Urban Agriculture. This chapter outlines detailed requirements and restrictions for keeping livestock and other farm animals in urban areas of the county.

If you have further questions or need clarification on specific regulations, consider contacting the Thurston County Community Planning and Economic Development Department directly.