If you’re thinking about raising backyard chickens in Oregon, it’s smart to check local rules. Oregon welcomes small flocks in many areas—but each city and county sets its own limits. Some places allow lots of hens with few rules, while others need permits, restrict numbers, or ban roosters. This guide explains statewide basics and then looks at rules in real counties and cities across Oregon. It’s in simple English and easy to follow.
State-Level Health and Egg Rules
Oregon state law does not set limits on backyard hens, but commercial egg producers must follow strict rules—like cage-free requirements and inspection certificates—before selling eggs. Backyard hens used just for personal use are not covered by those state rules.
County Rules – Examples in Key Counties
Marion County (outside cities but within urban growth boundaries)
Urban areas of Marion County allow up to six hens per property—except in Woodburn or Silverton growth zones, where the limit is three. Chickens must be kept in a fully fenced rear yard and confined in a coop or run at all times unless supervised. Coops can’t exceed 120 sq ft or 10 ft tall. You must provide at least six sq ft of run space per hen. Setbacks: minimum three feet from any building on your property and 25 feet from any neighbor’s dwelling. Roosters are prohibited and egg sales are not allowed. Feed stored securely. Permit: typically not needed in urban areas but county rules enforced.
City Rules – Examples in Selected Oregon Cities
Salem (Marion County)
In Salem you may keep up to twelve poultry (chickens, ducks, etc.) on a single family property for personal use. No roosters. Coops can’t exceed 120 sq ft. You must give each chicken at least three sq ft of coop space and six sq ft of run space. Coops and runs must stay in the rear yard, at least three feet from other buildings on your lot and at least 25 feet from any neighboring dwelling. No permit is required as long as you avoid noise or odor nuisances.
Portland (Multnomah County)
You can keep up to four adult chickens or ducks—six if your lot exceeds 10,000 sq ft. If your lot allows agricultural use or is over 20,000 sq ft, even more chickens may be allowed. No permit needed, but you must follow planning code rules. Each chicken needs at least three sq ft of coop space and six sq ft of run space. Enclosures must be secure, well ventilated, and kept clean. No roosters or other noisy fowl are allowed. Noise, odor, or rodent issues may lead to warnings or code enforcement.
Gresham (Multnomah County)
Gresham requires a chicken permit before keeping hens. Up to three adult hens allowed on residential lots. Roosters are banned. The coop must be at least 25 feet from any neighboring dwelling and ten feet from the property line. You must give at least two sq ft floor space per hen inside the coop. Chickens must stay in the coop at night (10 pm–7 am); during the day they must stay in their run or under direct supervision within a fenced yard. Feed and coop must not create nuisances for neighbors.
Veneta (Lane County)
Veneta requires a permit (about $25, renewed every three years) for lots under one acre. Hens allowed: one per 1,500 sq ft, up to ten hens. Roosters are banned. Chickens must be kept in a coop or fenced run or fenced yard at all times. No multi-family dwellings. A building permit is needed for coops over 200 sq ft. Personal use only; no egg selling.
Ashland (Jackson County)
Ashland lets hens depending on lot size: up to five hens if your lot is under 5,000 sq ft. For larger lots, one hen per 1,000 sq ft, up to a maximum of 20 hens. Roosters are not allowed. Coops must stay at least 10 feet from side property lines and 20 feet from neighboring dwellings. Birds must not roam free or cause odor or noise complaints. Clean coop and run mandatory.
Sherwood (Washington County)**
Sherwood requires a license ($50 application fee) in single‑family lots. Up to three hens allowed on lots at least 7,000 sq ft; up to five hens on lots of at least 10,000 sq ft. No roosters. Coops must be in rear yard, at least 10 feet from property lines and 25 feet from adjacent dwellings. Birds must stay enclosed except under direct supervision. Enclosures must remain clean, odor‑free, and vermin‑free. Coops over 200 sq ft or 10 ft tall need a building permit. No egg sales or breeding allowed.
Talent (Jackson County)**
One hen or duck per 1,000 sq ft of lot, up to ten total. Roosters and geese are banned. Chickens must stay on property; coop location and size must follow zoning. Permit: zoning compliance required. Birds must be kept clean and cannot upset neighbors.
Other Cities and Counties
Several other Oregon cities and counties have their own rules or have no clear policy yet:
- Beaverton (Washington County): often allows up to four hens on 5,000 sq ft lots; no roosters; permit may be required.
- Bend: often allows four hens on lots over 5,000 sq ft; permit may be needed; roosters banned.
- Corvallis: no official limit listed; permit usually required; roosters usually banned under noise rules.
- Eugene: up to six hens, minimum 1,000 sq ft lot per hen; permit may be required; no roosters.
- Hillsboro: up to three hens for lots up to 10,000 sq ft; up to six hens on 1‑acre lots; up to nine hens on larger; permit likely; no roosters.
- Medford: no official limit; permit may be required; roosters likely banned.
- Tigard: no official limit; permit may apply; no roosters anticipated.
- Other smaller towns may allow chickens freely—especially in rural areas—while some cities may ban them entirely. Always check with local planning or code offices.
Common Patterns Across Oregon
- No roosters in most cities (to avoid crowing noise).
- Hen limits based on property size or zoning, ranging 3–12 hens.
- Permits or licenses in many cities, sometimes with fees and inspections.
- Coops and runs must be in rear yard and meet setbacks from property lines and neighboring dwellings.
- Enclosures must provide enough space per bird—typically three sq ft indoor and six sq ft run space.
- Feed must be stored safely; coop and run cleaned regularly.
- Egg sales or breeding often prohibited—flocks must be for personal use.
- Complaints from neighbors may trigger warnings or revocations of permits.
Checklist Before You Start
- Check if your property is within city, county, or urban growth boundary limits.
- Contact city or county planning, zoning, or code offices to confirm rules.
- Find out how many hens you’re allowed and whether roosters are prohibited.
- Ask whether a permit or license is needed and any costs or training requirements.
- Review setback rules for coops and run placement relative to neighbors.
- Plan coop and run size based on required square footage per bird.
- Ensure coop is ventilated, secure from predators, and cleanable.
- Store feed in rodent‑proof containers; remove manure regularly.
- Verify that egg sales or breeding are prohibited for personal-only use.
- Check for HOA or neighborhood covenant restrictions—they may override local codes.
Why These Rules Matter
Chicken regulations help balance personal freedom with neighborhood comfort and public health. Proper setbacks prevent odor, pests, and noise from spreading into neighboring yards. Limits on roosters reduce crowing complaints. Permit and zoning compliance ensure coop safety and humane conditions. Secure feed and sanitation help prevent vermin. Counties and cities want flocks to be clean, safe, and responsible—and these rules help that happen.
Conclusion
Keeping hens in Oregon is doable—and many places welcome backyard flocks. Cities like Salem, Portland, Gresham, Sherwood, and Ashland each have clear rules, while rural counties typically offer more flexibility. Before you buy chicks, check with your local officials, design a proper coop, keep things clean, and be a respectful neighbor. Then you’ll enjoy fresh eggs the legal way.
Good luck with your Oregon backyard flock—may your hens be happy and your eggs plentiful!