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1. Can I raise chickens, horses, cows, pigs, dogs, cats, Etc... on my property?

It depends on where your property is located. Zoning regulations impose limitations on the number of poultry/livestock/animals based on lot size and zoning designation.

Inquiries on zoning can be made by Ask a Permit Technician.

2. What is a small animal?

''Small animals'' means all animals and birds except for livestock, typically weighing less than 100 pounds.

3. What is the definition of small livestock?

"Small livestock" means types of goats and horses commonly referred to as pygmy, dwarf, or miniature, typically weighing less than 150 pounds.

4. Are there any special requirements pertaining to residential accessory uses and animals?

18A.36.070 Residential Accessory Use List.
F. Animals, subject to the following requirements:
1. Any combination of five dogs or cats that individually exceed seven months of age are permitted. Any combination of six or more dogs or cats that individually exceed seven months of age are permitted pursuant to PCC 18A.33.260 D, Animal Production, Boarding and Slaughtering.
2. No person shall have, maintain, or possess any wolf, fox, chimpanzee, or other exotic, vicious, or poisonous animal or reptile except as set forth in Chapter 6.16 PCC.
3. Urban Area Requirements.
a. For lots less than one-half acre:
(1) Two small livestock are allowed, all other livestock are prohibited; and
(2) Five or fewer small animals, excluding dogs and cats allowed pursuant to F.1. above, are allowed. Rooster, peacocks, and male turkeys are prohibited.
b. For lots from one-half acre to less than 5 acres:
(1) Two small livestock are allowed and other livestock shall not exceed 2 which are 12 months or more of age; and
(2) Twelve or fewer small animals, excluding dogs and cats allowed pursuant to F.1. above, are allowed per acre. Roosters, peacocks, and male turkeys are prohibited on lots less than one acre.
c. For lots 5 acres or greater in size, there shall be no restriction on the number of livestock and small animals kept.
d. Animal enclosures such as, but not limited to, cages, barns, stables, and coops shall not be located in a front yard, and shall be setback as follows from adjacent residential property lines that are not held in common ownership:
(1) 15 feet for poultry or rabbits;
(2) 10 feet for other small animals and small livestock;
(3) 45 feet for livestock; and
(4) 75 feet for kennels and catteries.
(5) For purposes of this Section, a fenced area where animals are free roaming is not considered an animal enclosure.
4. Rural Area Requirements.
a. For lots less than one-half acre:
(1) Two small livestock are allowed, all other livestock are prohibited; and
(2) No more than 24 small animals, excluding dogs and cats allowed pursuant to F.1. above, are allowed.
b. For lots one-half acre or greater in size, there shall be no restriction on the number of small livestock, livestock or small animals kept.
c. Animal enclosures such as, but not limited to, cages, barns, stables, and coops shall not be located in a front yard, and shall be setback as follows from adjacent residential property lines that are not held in common ownership:
(1) 5 feet for poultry or rabbits;
(2) 10 feet for other small animals and small livestock;
(3) 45 feet for livestock; and
(4) 75 feet for kennels and catteries.
(5) For purposes of this Section, a fenced area where animals are free roaming is not considered an animal enclosure.
5. Best Management Practices on lots less than one-half acre.
a. Manure shall be collected and stored in covered containers. Animal manure shall not be deposited or allowed to accumulate in any ditch, ravine, stream, river, pond, marine water, or surface of the ground, or on any road right-of-way where it may become a nuisance or menace to health as determined by the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department.
b. All critical area buffers and setbacks, building department, solid waste, aquifer recharge and health department regulations apply.