Are Chickens Allowed in Newport News, Virginia?

BySusan Medlin

Yes — backyard chickens are allowed in Newport News, VA, but under specific regulations. You’ll need a permit, follow setback rules, no roosters, and keep things sanitary. Here are the details you’ll want to know if you’re considering keeping chickens there.

What the Code Says

In Newport News, the city code (Chapter 6: Animals and Fowl, Section 6-2 and related sections) lays out rules for keeping poultry. These rules were amended in May 2015.

Key Rules & Requirements

  • You may keep up to six (6) hens (female chickens) for domestic purposes. No roosters are allowed.
  • You must obtain a permit from the city’s Department of Codes Compliance (or equivalent office). The application fee is $25.
  • Coops/pens/cages must be located in the rear yard only, and must be at least 25 feet away from adjoining property lines.
  • The chickens are for non-commercial/domestic use only (no selling of eggs or chickens for meat).
  • The coop/shelter must be predator-proof, ventilated, accessible for cleaning, and provide protection from sun, shade, and the elements.
  • It must be maintained in a neat and sanitary condition, including managing waste so it does not cause odor, fly or pest problems; feed must be stored securely to prevent rodent attraction.
  • For properties that already meet larger setback distances (175 feet from residences, 250 feet from churches or schools), the city allows more flexibility without needing the $25 permit or the 6-hen cap.

What’s Not Allowed

  • No roosters under the standard permit rules.
  • No commercial activity — you can’t sell eggs, meat, or chickens under the backyard-hen permit.
  • Coops and pens must comply with the rear yard and setback requirements.

Recent Changes / Oversight

As of around April 2025, Newport News shifted oversight of chicken permitting to its Parks & Recreation or Animal Welfare department, adjusting which department handles permit applications.

What to Do Before You Get Chickens in Newport News

  1. Check your lot — is it large enough? Are there space constraints that make the 25-foot setbacks difficult?
  2. Get the permit application ($25) and submit it, along with a site plan or sketch showing where your coop will be relative to property lines and nearby residences.
  3. Make sure your coop is built to code — predator-proof, ventilated, accessible for cleaning, etc.
  4. Maintain the coop and yard cleanly, managing waste properly and preventing odors, pests, or nuisances. Feed storage should be secure.
  5. Check whether your area has any HOA, covenant, or additional local restrictions (some neighborhoods have private rules that are stricter).

Conclusion

Yes — keeping chickens is legal in Newport News under current city ordinances, as long as you follow the rules: maximum of six hens, no roosters, proper coop location and setbacks, obtain a permit, and keep everything clean. If you do those, it’s permitted.

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