If you’re planning to keep backyard hens in Virginia, it’s important to know that there is no single statewide law. Instead, individual cities, towns, or some counties set their own rules. Many places allow hens under specific terms, while others restrict or ban them. This guide explains common patterns and highlights rules in several Virginia localities. It’s written in simple English and easy to follow.
Common Themes Across Virginia
- Most places allow up to six hens as a basic rule.
- Roosters are almost always banned in residential areas.
- A permit or registration is often required, especially in cities.
- Coops and runs must meet setback requirements from property lines and homes (typically 15–25 ft).
- Chickens must stay enclosed inside a secure coop or run—no free roaming.
- Coops must be predator‑proof, ventilated, clean, and odor‑controlled.
- Commercial uses like egg sales, breeding, or slaughter are generally prohibited.
- Complaints or violations may lead to fines or loss of permits.
Example Local Rules
Alexandria
No fixed limit on hens is listed publicly, but roosters are likely prohibited due to noise ordinances. A permit may be required and setbacks of around 200 ft from residences are often enforced. Chicken keeping must comply with the city’s zoning department.
Chesapeake
Single-family residential zoning allows up to six hens. Roosters are not permitted. A zoning permit is likely needed. Coops must be enclosed, located in the rear yard, and meet setback rules. Outdoor slaughtering is not allowed.
Hampton, Newport News, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Virginia Beach
These cities typically allow up to six hens per property. Roosters are banned. A permit may be required. Coops must meet setback distances—often 15–25 ft from property lines. Chickens must be kept in enclosed coop and run areas, sanitary and secure.
Richmond (Richmond City)
Richmond allows up to six hens. Roosters or game birds are prohibited. A permit (about $60 per year) is required. Coops must be at least 15 ft from property lines. Chickens must remain in a covered enclosure. Violations or neighbor complaints can result in revocation.
Roanoke
Roanoke allows up to forty chickens, depending on lot size. A permit may be required. Roosters are banned under noise rules. Coops must be fenced and located according to zoning standards. Waste must be managed carefully.
Harrisonburg (Harrisonburg City)
Residents may apply for a chicken permit under local code. Typically six hens are allowed. Roosters are prohibited. Coops must meet setbacks and occupant dwellings must follow sanitation and enclosure standards.
Warren County
In R‑1 zoning districts, a permit is required. Properties under ½ acre may keep up to six hens; lots between ½ and 2 acres may keep up to twelve hens; lots 2 acres or larger may have up to twenty‑four hens. Only female chickens. Coops and runs must be rear‑yard and meet setbacks: at least 25 ft from property lines, 20 ft from dwellings, and 30 ft from wells or streams. A poultry management plan is required. Roosters and other fowl are prohibited.
Fairfax County (Northern Virginia)
If your lot is two acres or larger, hens are permitted without a special permit. On smaller parcels, a special permit from the zoning board is required—neighbor notice and a hearing are usually part of the process. Roosters are not allowed. Enclosures must be fenced and placed in the rear yard.
Henrico County and Hanover County (Richmond region)
In Henrico, poultry is permitted by right in agricultural zones. In residential districts, you must apply for a conditional use permit. Only up to six hens allowed, no roosters. Chicken enclosures must be in the rear yard, fenced, and at least 15 ft from side and rear lines. In Hanover, similar rules apply in residential zones: six hens max, roosters banned, coop fenced and rear‑yard only, with setback at least 15 ft from side and rear lot lines.
Staunton
Residents may keep up to six chickens per property. Roosters are not allowed. Chicken keeping is subject to zoning standards. Coops and runs must be enclosed and kept sanitary. Free roaming is prohibited.
Norfolk
Hens and ducks require a permit from the city planning and development department. Coops must meet setback rules. Roosters are not allowed. Chickens must remain in a covered enclosure; slaughtering is prohibited.
County-Based Zoning Enforcement
Many counties like Spotsylvania, Campbell, and others allow chickens as accessory uses but require simple enclosures in rear yards with setbacks—typically 10–20 ft from property lines. Campbell County allows up to ten hens, no roosters, and requires fenced enclosures at least 10 ft from neighbor lines and proper manure disposal. Spotsylvania bans roosters and allows hens within residential zoning districts.
Checklist Before Keeping Chickens in Virginia
- Check if you live within city/town or unincorporated county limits.
- Contact your local zoning, animal control, or planning office for chicken rules.
- Confirm how many hens are allowed and whether roosters are banned.
- Ask about permit or license requirements and any costs.
- Review setback rules for coop and enclosure—often 15–25 ft from property lines or dwellings.
- Plan coop size and run space according to code requirements.
- Ensure the coop is predator-proof, ventilated, clean, and secure.
- Store feed safely and dispose of manure to avoid odor or pests.
- Check whether breeding, sales, or slaughter of birds is prohibited.
- Understand enforcement: neighbor complaints can lead to warnings or permit revocation.
Why These Rules Matter
Regulations around chicken keeping protect public health, maintain neighborhood comfort, and ensure animal welfare. Coops must be setback to reduce smell and noise, secure to prevent escape or predators, and clean to avoid pests. Permit systems allow local officials to review plans and enforce sanitary standards. Limiting hens and banning roosters helps reduce nuisance. By following local laws, you can keep chickens that stay healthy and backyard environments that stay peaceful.
Conclusion
Keeping backyard hens in Virginia is doable—but it depends on where you live. Cities like Richmond, Chesapeake, Norfolk, Alexandria, Harrisonburg, and Roanoke each set their own rules, and many counties enforce zoning standards too. Most allow six hens, ban roosters, and expect secure, clean enclosures with setbacks. Before buying chicks, contact your local office, plan your coop carefully, follow permit procedures, and respect your neighbors. Then you can enjoy fresh eggs the proper way—legally and responsibly.
Best of luck starting your backyard flock in Virginia!