Livestock in Tigard: What You Should Know

On October 31, 2022 the Tigard City Council adopted new regulations that address keeping backyard livestock. The Council’s approach relied on education, rather than regulation, to assist Tigard community members in caring for livestock in a manner that is safe and comfortable for animals and neighbors alike. This page offers new and existing livestock keepers resources to assist in making that possible.

• Notice of Decision
• Ordinance 22-09

Quick Guide to Tigard Regulations

• Roosters over three months old are prohibited.
• All animal feed must be stored in lidded containers.
• Livestock structures, such as chicken coops, must be located a minimum of 5 feet from all property lines.
  • Bee hives and fenced runs are exempt from this standard.
• Livestock must be kept within enclosed structures during non-daylight hours.
• Beekeepers must respond to swarming complaints within 36 hours.
• Areas must meet nuisance code standards, requiring yards to be maintained in a manner that limits noise, odor, debris, manure, or likely breeding places for rodents.

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Helpful Links on Chickens

• Backyardchickens.com | An online forum on raising chickens. A great resource for building community and asking questions.
• The Happy Chicken Coop | A blog with helpful articles for beginners.
• American Poultry Association | The detailed/technical side of raising chickens.
• Outschool.com | Classes for kids on many subjects, including chickens (requires a fee). 

Helpful Links on Bees

• https://tvbabees.org | Tualatin Valley Beekeepers provide educational opportunities and assistance with swarms.
• https://honeybeelab.oregonstate.edu | Oregon State University provides resources, classes, and certifications on beekeeping.
• Residential Beekeeping Best Practices Guidelines, OSU Extension Services, February 2018 | Oregon State University flyer on beekeeping basics.
• Bee-FAQ-Flyer.pdf (portlandurbanbeekeepers.org) | A helpful flyer with general information on bees from the Portland Urban Beekeepers.

Helpful Links on Rabbits

• https://arba.net | The American Rabbit Breeders Association provides several helpful resources for rabbit breeders.

Helpful Links on Goats

• 10 Questions To Ask Before Getting Urban Goats - Hobby Farms | Basics you’ll need to think about before you get goats.
• 12 Tips for Keeping Goats in the City (treehugger.com) | Basics you’ll need to prep for when you decide to get goats.
• Fias Co Farm | Great web resource for your more intensive goat questions.
• Urban Goats | The Radix Ecological Sustainability Center (radixcenter.org)
• Helpful tip: Goats and sheep are social animals and owners are encouraged to have more than one.

• Pigs are social animals. It is recommended that owners keep other pets and provide frequent human interaction.
• An outside run is recommended so that there is an opportunity for the pig to use its natural instincts to forage for roots and fungi.
• Recommendations for ground cover: Blankets are recommended for the inside of a pen and straw or hay are recommended for outside.
• Because pigs root, surface material such as rock or mulch won’t stay in place over the long term, although mulch in the outdoor space provides enrichment and may reduce mud