Can I Have Chickens In My Backyard in Virginia?

Are you wondering, “Can I have chickens in my backyard in Virginia?” Well, you came to the right place. In this article, we will answer all your questions and provide you with the information you need to get started with your own backyard chicken-keeping adventure. With links to whom to contact and your city regulations, you can find the information you need all in one place!

Is it Legal to Have Chickens in Your Backyard in Virginia?

It is legal to have chickens in your backyard in Virginia. Each county and city will have different regulations regarding chickens in your backyard, so make sure to check out our county and city sections to find your area-specific requirements!

Do You Need A Permit for Chickens in Virginia?

Some areas in Virginia will require permits for chickens, while others allow chickens without permits. Permits for chickens depend on location, coop requirements, lot size, and number of chickens. Curious about permit requirements in your area? We have the answers to get you started. 

How Many Chickens Can I Have in Virginia?

The number of chickens you can have in Virginia depends on the area you’re in. Typically, areas will allow 6 female chickens on a property. No matter what the limit is, it’s important to make sure your chicken coop has enough space to hold the maximum number of chickens. Browse chicken coops by number of chickens to find the coop style for you!

Can I Let My Chickens Free-Range in Virginia?

Chickens will most likely need to be in a coop if you keep them in your backyard. Be aware of setback requirements from property lines and avoid being a nuisance to neighbors. While you will need a coop, some coops, like Combination Coops, offer run space that lets chickens walk around in a contained area.

Can I Have A Rooster In My Backyard in Virginia?

In almost all areas in Virginia, roosters are prohibited due to noise. Check your city or reach out to your local planning department to see if roosters are allowed in your area.

Can I Sell My Chicken Eggs in Virginia?

Yes, you can sell chicken eggs in Virginia. Eggs must meet grade A quality standards set by the Board for fresh eggs. Egg labels must be accurate and marked according to grade, size, quality, ungraded, and cracked.

Are Chickens Considered Livestock in Virginia?

In some code definitions, chickens will be referred to as livestock or poultry. If you’re not finding the information for chickens in your area, make sure to check what category chickens are in the definition. 

Laws for Keeping Backyard Chickens in Virginia By City

Does Alexandria, Virginia Allow Backyard Chickens?

Yes, chickens are allowed in Alexandria, Virginia. The coop must be 200 feet away from any residence. For more information, reach out to Alexandria’s Planning & Zoning Department. 

Does Arlington, Virginia Allow Backyard Chickens?

Yes! Chickens are allowed in Arlington, Virginia, but the coop must be kept 100 feet from streets and lot lines. To get up-to-date information, refer to the city’s Planning Division.

Does Blacksburg, Virginia Allow Backyard Chickens?

Yes, chickens are allowed in Blacksburg, Virginia, with the following regulations:

• No more than six chickens are allowed on a single-family dwelling
• No roosters are allowed
• Chickens must be kept in coops no bigger than 128 square feet and must be at least 15 feet away from all property lines
• An application must be submitted with a sketch of where the coop will be and an application fee

For more information, read the Code of Ordinances or reach out to the Planning and Building Department. 

Does Chesapeake, Virginia Allow Backyard Chickens?

Yes, Chesapeake, Virginia allows backyard chickens. The number of chickens depends on the acres and the district you are in. Six female chickens are allowed in single-family dwellings and must be in a coop. To find your specific area requirements, read the chicken regulations or contact the Zoning Administration. 

Does Danville, Virginia Allow Backyard Chickens?

Yes, Danville allows backyard chickens. The maximum number of chickens is 4, and roosters are prohibited. For more information, reach out to the Planning & Zoning Office.

Does Hampton, Virginia Allow Backyard Chickens?

In Hampton, Virginia, chickens are allowed with the following restrictions:

• Up to six hens
• No roosters are allowed
• Coops must be placed 25 feet away from neighboring lines
• A sketch of coop placement and a filing fee are required

For more information, reach out to the Planning & Zoning Administration. 

Does Harrisonburg, Virginia Allow Backyard Chickens?

Yes! Harrisonburg, Virginia allows chickens in your backyard with these restrictions:

• Up to six hens with 4 square feet per chicken
• No roosters are allowed
• Coops must be at least 5 feet away from property lines
• A sketch of the coop placement and application fee

To get started, navigate to the Chicken Permit page or reach out to the Planning & Zoning Division. 

Does Leesburg, Virginia Allow Backyard Chickens?

Yes, chickens are allowed in Leesburg, Virginia. The specific number of chickens allowed is not specified. To learn more, reach out to the Planning Division. 

Does Lynchburg, Virginia Allow Backyard Chickens?

Yes! Chickens are allowed in Lynchburg, Virginia:

• 4 chickens are allowed on lots of 15,000 square feet or less
• 1 chicken allowed for every additional 5,000 square feet 
• Chickens cannot go over 40 chickens
• Coops must be 20 feet from property lines

For more information, reach out to the Planning Division. 

Does Manassas, Virginia Allow Backyard Chickens?

No, Manassas, Virginia currently does not have regulations set to allow backyard chickens. For the most up-to-date information, reach out to Planning & Development.

Does Newport News, Virginia Allow Backyard Chickens?

Yes, chickens are allowed in Newport News, Virginia, with these regulations: 

• Up to 6 hens are allowed
• No roosters are allowed
• Coops must be 25 feet from property lines

For more information, reach out to the Planning Department.

Does Norfolk, Virginia Allow Backyard Chickens?

Yes, Norfolk, Virginia allows backyard chickens with these restrictions:

• No more than six hens 
• Coops must be placed 15 feet from property lines
• A permit is required for chicken keeping

To learn more, read the Code of Ordinances or reach out to City Planning.

Does Portsmouth, Virginia Allow Backyard Chickens?

Yes, Portsmouth, Virginia allows backyard chickens as long as you follow the following:

• Up to six chickens
• No roosters are allowed
• Chickens must be in a chicken coop and cannot roam around
• A Zoning Permit is required to keep chickens in your backyard

To learn more about backyard chicken keeping in Portsmouth, reach out to the Zoning Department. 

Does Richmond, Virginia Allow Backyard Chickens?

Yes! Chickens are allowed in Richmond, Virginia. 

• A maximum of six hens are allowed
• Roosters and English Gamecocks are prohibited
• Coops must be 15 feet from property lines
• A permit is required to keep chickens

Reach out to the Richmond Animal Care & Control for more information. 

Does Suffolk, Virginia Allow Backyard Chickens?

Yes, Suffolk, Virginia allows backyard chickens on properties that are in zones A, RR, and RE. The number of chickens are allowed is not specified. To get up-to-date information, reach out to the Planning Division.

Laws for Keeping Backyard Chickens in Virginia By County

Are You Ready To Start Your Backyard Flock?

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Are you looking for chickens? We have the information you need to fill your new coop with chickens to get the best eggs or exotic chickens. 

We also offer coop accessories, such as ramps and predator-proof doors. Ready to get started? Request a customized coop quote or browse our available inventory to get started!