OR — State Guide

Backyard Chicken Laws in Oregon

Statewide rules, city-by-city ordinances, permit requirements, coop setbacks, and HOA rights for Oregon residents.

Does Oregon Have a Statewide Backyard Chicken Law?

Oregon has no statewide backyard chicken law. Oregon's Land Use Planning program focuses on protecting agricultural land from urban development but doesn't govern backyard flocks in residential zones. All chicken rules come from city and county codes.

HOA Authority in Oregon

Oregon HOAs can ban chickens. There is no Oregon statute preventing HOA chicken bans. Oregon does protect solar energy installations from HOA restriction (ORS 105.880), but that protection has not been extended to poultry.

Cities in Oregon

Select a city below for a detailed ordinance guide, or use the Ordinance Finder tool to look up your city's rules.

  • Portland
  • Eugene
  • Salem
  • Gresham
  • Hillsboro
  • Beaverton
  • Bend
  • Medford

Portland is the standout in Oregon — 3 hens with no permit, up to 10 with the City Urban Fowl Permit. The 5-foot property line setback (with no specific dwelling setback) makes Portland one of the most accessible cities for urban chicken keeping.

General Advice for Oregon Residents

Even if your city allows backyard chickens, there are always additional layers to check: your specific zoning classification, your HOA's CC&Rs, and whether a permit is required before you bring hens home. Use our free checklist to work through each step.

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Free Checklist: Before You Buy Your First Hen

Seven steps covering everything to verify before chickens arrive.

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Frequently Asked Questions — Oregon

Do I need a permit to keep backyard chickens in Oregon?
Permit requirements in Oregon are set by individual cities, not the state. Some cities require annual permits; others do not. Check your specific city's ordinance using our Ordinance Finder or the city-specific guides above.
Are roosters allowed in Oregon?
Most urban and suburban cities in Oregon prohibit roosters due to noise ordinances. Rural and agricultural zones may allow them. Check your specific city's rules — our city guides and the Ordinance Finder specify rooster rules for each location.
How far does my coop need to be from my neighbor's house in Oregon?
Coop setback requirements vary by city. Typical ranges in Oregon are 10–30 feet from property lines and 20–50 feet from neighboring homes. See our Coop Setback Guide for a full explanation of how setbacks work and how to measure them.
Informational Only. Laws change frequently. Always verify current requirements with your city's planning or animal services department.
Related: Permit Guide · HOA Rights · Coop Setbacks · Ordinance Finder