Can I Have Chickens In My Backyard in West Virginia?

If you’re thinking about raising your own backyard chickens in West Virginia, you’re not alone. Most residents are turning to fresh eggs and small-scale homestedings. But before you start building a chicken coop or choosing your flock, it’s important to understand the state and local laws that determine where you can keep chickens, how many you’re allowed to have, and what requirements your coop must meet. 

In this blog, we will break down everything you need to know so you can legally and confidently keep backyard chickens in West Virginia. 

Is It Legal to Have Chickens in Your Backyard in West Virginia?

Yes, and no, it depends entirely on your specific city or county, since the state does not have one law that allows or prohibits having them. Some towns permit a small flock, often up to six hens, while others ban or restrict them. That’s why it’s important to check with your local regulations and make sure you follow rules about coop size, placement, and setbacks from property lines. 

Do You Need A Permit For Chickens in West Virginia?

Yes, a permit is required in West Virginia. Permit requirements for backyard chickens differ by city and county because there is no single statewide law governing the entire state. Some places require a permit or zoning approval, while others allow a small number of chickens without any paperwork. To know what applies to your property, it’s best to review your local ordinances or contact your city or county for more information. 

How Many Chickens Can I Have in West Virginia?

The typical limit is around 4 to 6 hens in most areas of West Virginia, but there’s no statewide flock limit; the rules are set by your city or county zoning and can vary a lot. For example, Charleston allows up to 6 hens, while some places like Parsons go as low as 0 because chickens are prohibited. On the other end of the spectrum, some cities don’t list a simple number at all and instead use a permit-based system, where the city sets conditions case-by-case.

Can I Let My Chickens Free-Range in My Backyard?

Yes, you can probably let chickens free-range in your West Virginia yard, but it really comes down to your local rules, city or county ordinances, any HOA restrictions, and whether you’re inside city limits or in a rural area. Many places require a secure coop, enforce setback distances, and ban roosters, while a few prohibit chickens altogether. To be safe, confirm the rules with your local zoning or planning office before you start.

Can I Have A Rooster In My Backyard in West Virginia?

No, roosters are usually not allowed in most West Virginia residential backyards, even in areas that permit hens, because crowing can violate local noise or nuisance rules. That said, there’s no statewide rooster rule, and requirements vary by city and county zoning, so a few jurisdictions may allow them under specific conditions. If roosters are permitted, it’s generally more common on rural properties or land zoned for agricultural or particular commercial uses, sometimes with larger lot sizes or setback requirements. To confirm what applies to your address, check your local zoning ordinances or call your city or county office.

Can I Sell My Chicken Eggs in West Virginia?

Yes, you can sell chicken eggs in West Virginia, but specific rules apply, especially if you intend to sell in larger quantities. Small-scale sellers who distribute 150 dozen eggs or fewer per week are exempt from some requirements, such as obtaining an Egg Distributor Permit, and typically follow simpler labeling guidelines. Those producing more than that amount must secure an Egg Distributor Permit and comply with stricter standards for handling, grading, and packaging, which often includes getting a Food Establishment Permit from the local health department.

Chicken Laws For Cities in West Virginia

Below is a list of West Virginia cities along with their contact information for checking local chicken-keeping rules. Select any city on the left side of the chart to view its specific regulations and details. For the latest rules and any permit requirements, contact your local office linked in the chart below and file any required permits before getting chickens.

Does Beckley, West Virginia, Allow Backyard Chickens?

No, Beckley, WV, does not allow backyard chickens. Contact the Beckley Planning and Zoning Department for the specific requirements. 

Does Bridgeport, West Virginia, Allow Backyard Chickens?

Yes, Bridgeport, WV allows backyard chickens. Reach out to the Bridgetport Planning Commission for more information. 

Does Charles Town, West Virginia, Allow Backyard Chickens?

Yes, Charles Town, WV, does permit backyard chickens, but some rules apply. You may keep up to 20 domestic fowl as long as they fit within one-half acre of your usable property and your coop follows the city’s cleanliness and placement guidelines, but roosters are not allowed. Contact the Charles Town Planning and Zoning department for more information on requirements. 

Does Charleston, West Virginia, Allow Backyard Chickens?

Yes, Charleston, WV, does allow backyard chickens, but there are rules regarding the number of your flock, the location of your coop, and permitting. You may keep up to six chickens on residential lots, as long as they are not a nuisance. Reach out to Charleston Planning Department for more information. 

Does Cheat Lake, West Virginia, Allow Backyard Chickens?

Yes, you can keep backyard chickens in Cheat Lake, WV, given you follow all the rules related to setbacks from neighboring properties, coop size, and proper upkeep. However, local HOAs and the specific ordinances of surrounding municipalities may also place additional limits on chicken keeping. For more information, contact Cheat Lake Planning District. 

Does Clarksburg, West Virginia, Allow Backyard Chickens?

Yes, Clarksburg, West Virginia, does permit backyard chickens, but specific rules must be followed. Residents may keep up to 20 domestic fowl, provided the area is well-maintained, odor-free, and does not disturb nearby neighbors. Additionally, chickens must be housed at least 30 feet away from any neighboring home. Learn more about Keeping Chickens and Fowl in Clarksburg or contact Clarksburg Planning & Zoning Commission.

Does Fairmont, West Virginia, Allow Backyard Chickens?

No, Fairmont, West Virginia, does not allow backyard chickens under its existing ordinances. 

Does Huntington, West Virginia, Allow Backyard Chickens?

Yes, you can keep backyard chickens in Huntington, West Virginia, but you’ll need to apply for a permit and are limited to hens only; roosters aren’t allowed. The city also has guidelines on coop size, required setbacks from neighboring homes, and the number of chickens you can have. Be sure to check with the city of Huntington Planning & Zoning department for the most up-to-date and specific requirements.

Does Martinsburg, West Virginia, Allow Backyard Chickens?

No, backyard chickens are not allowed in the City of Martinsburg. The city bans all “farm animals” and “fowl” within its limits, except in areas designated as Rural Agricultural zones.

Does Morgantown, West Virginia, Allow Backyard Chickens?

Yes, Morgantown, West Virginia, does permit backyard chickens. Residents can keep up to two hens, and additional birds are allowed only if nearby neighbors provide written approval. A permit may be required, and Morgantown Planning Division has rules on flock size and where coops can be placed on your property.

Does Oak Hill, West Virginia, Allow Backyard Chickens?

Yes, Oak Hill, West Virginia, allows homeowners to keep up to six fowl, such as hens or ducks, per property once a permit is approved. Roosters, however, are not allowed. Check with Oak Hill Planning Commission for more information. 

Does Parkersburg, West Virginia, Allow Backyard Chickens?

No, Parkersburg, West Virginia, does not permit backyard chickens. City regulations clearly ban the keeping of farm animals, including chickens, within the municipal limits.

Does South Charleston, West Virginia, Allow Backyard Chickens?

No, South Charleston, West Virginia, does not permit residents to keep backyard chickens. In August 2023, the city council updated its code to specifically ban chickens, ducks, geese, and other types of fowl within city limits. Although the decision prompted a lawsuit, current information indicates that the ban remains in place.

Does St. Albans, West Virginia, Allow Backyard Chickens?

No, St. Albans, West Virginia, does not permit backyard chickens, as local ordinances ban residents from keeping any type of “fowl” on their property. The city is also classified as a bird sanctuary, which adds additional restrictions and prevents the keeping of domestic birds altogether.

Does Teays Valley, West Virginia, Allow Backyard Chickens?

Yes, Teays Valley, West Virginia, generally allows backyard chickens, but the exact rules vary by the specific community, such as Hurricane or Scott Depot, and by any applicable homeowners’ association guidelines. Some areas permit hens but not roosters, limit how many birds you can keep, and require coops and runs to be well-maintained. For the most accurate details, it’s best to confirm with Putnam County Planning Comission and HOA.

Does Vienna, West Virginia, Allow Backyard Chickens?

Yes, Vienna, West Virginia, permits backyard chickens, but several rules must be followed. Homeowners in designated single-family zones may keep up to four hens, and they must be housed in a henhouse with an enclosed pen no taller than eight feet. Roosters are not allowed under any circumstances. Contact Vienna Planning Commission for more information. 

Does Weirton, West Virginia, Allow Backyard Chickens?

No, Weirton, West Virginia, does not permit backyard chickens. City ordinances prohibit residents from keeping livestock or farm animals, including hens and chickens, anywhere within city limits. This restriction applies regardless of whether the birds are housed in a coop. Anyone caught keeping these birds can be fined between $200 and $500, and they could also face up to 30 days in jail.

Does Wheeling, West Virginia, Allow Backyard Chickens?

Yes, Wheeling, West Virginia, does allow backyard chickens, but only in the R1, R2, and R3 residential zones. Homeowners must follow specific requirements for how coops and runs are built, where they can be located, and how they must be maintained. Contact Wheeling Building & Planning Department for more information. 

Does Martinsburg, West Virginia, Allow Backyard Chickens?

No, the City of Martinsburg does not permit backyard chickens. Local ordinances ban all “farm animals” and “fowl” within the city limits, with the only exception being properties located in Rural Agricultural zones.

Laws for Keeping Backyard Chickens in West Virginia By County

Regulations for keeping backyard chickens in West Virginia vary widely from one county to another. Use the county table below as a starting point to contact your county zoning/code office to verify current requirements and complete any permits or approvals before keeping chickens.

Find the Right Coop for Your New Backyard Chickens

If you’re ready to start keeping backyard chickens, having a safe, sturdy coop is one of the best ways to stay compliant with local rules and protect your flock from predators and bad weather. Browse our wooden chicken coops with options in different sizes and styles to fit your space, whether you’re starting with a few hens or building a larger backyard setup.