I am not sure what laws apply to me? Help! (washington county, oregon)

[ethicaleggsplease]

I really would like to raise chickens in my backyard, but when I tried finding some information on the laws on the washington county website, nothing came up. I live north of beaverton, where I hear chickens are not allowed. Where I live is the bethany area (an unincorporated community), some girls who live down the street have them. I'm not sure if its legal or what. Please help me!

 

[Youthful One]

I'm with you!

We are also in unincorporated Washington County, and have been struggling to find the ordinances that apply. I've found specifics for all the neighboring incorporated cities.

I placed some phone calls yesterday, having to leave a message with one office. I will post what I learn, if I learn anything.

Otherwise, I will echo your plea:

Help?!

The internet isn't turning up any information - where else do I look for who to contact to get this kind of info?

 

[Sonoran Silkies]

If you are in an unincorporated are, then you need to check county codes. I would expect that the county has no ordinances on chickens as typically areas outside incorporated areas are considered rural, aka farm land.

 

[SpringChickens]

I like the idea of begging for forgiveness. I'm sorry, I didn't know! But look, they aren't bothering anyone, please let me keep them

 

[georgialee]

I checked out municode.com and from what I can see Washington Cty only has animal restrictions on dogs: http://www.municode.com/Resources/gateway.asp?pid=16681&sid=37. There is even a 'dog killing livestock' section which makes it seem like livestock is allowed in Wash. County. Hope that helps a little bit!

 

[KungPao]

you can own chickens in Washington County. Call the city and they'll tell you how many you can have and where the coop needs to be located etc...

 

[Youthful One]

We don't live in the city.

We live just outside of the city boundaries for Tigard.
So, do I call the city of Tigard?
I would think they would only provide me with the city restrictions.

I've been starting to phone county offices and getting referrals to other county offices in the quest for a definitive answer.

Animal Services sent me to 'Code Enforcement' which was a recording to file complaints against those violating codes. (Left a message anyway and have had no return call yet.)

Per a friend's suggestion, phoned 211 - Washington County Resource info. They referred me to either Dept. of Land Use or the Wash. Co. Switchboard. I'm going to try the latter first. Will keep you posted.

 

[Youthful One]

Okay - the latest info I have:

According to the 'Current Land Planning' division, we CAN have chickens in unincorporated areas of Washington County. The only restrictions they have are if you build a coop. When I asked where I could read those restrictions - either online or have them faxed to me, I was transferred to another extension.

I reached a voice mail for somebody in the 'Land Development Division', where I stated my request for info and my name & number.

If I don't receive a call back tomorrow, I'll try the other phone numbers/departments suggested.

 

[cjvg]

I just posted more info on the other WashCo thread, but here is the Table of Contents for Land Use Regs in WashCo.

http://washtech.co.washington.or.us/LDS/index.cfm?id=7

 

[Sonoran Silkies]

Without checking any of the regs., I am going to suggest that what is needed is probably a building permit, which would be required for any permanent structure if larger than a specified size. The concerns are generally safety issues--that it meet national or internationally recognized electrical, plumbing and structural code. On top of that they may (or may not) add zoning specific requirements.