Chickens can be kept in the City of Washington, but residents are reminded that proper permits are needed. City Clerk Illa Earnest says currently the city has four legal chicken owners. Chickens must have a coop. Only hens are allowed in the city limits with a maximum of four per household. Urban chicken applications can be picked up at City Hall. The application must include signatures from all adjacent property owners for approval. The completed application will be reviewed by city council and is valid for two years.