Are Chickens Allowed in Norfolk, Virginia?

BySusan Medlin

Yes — Norfolk does allow keeping backyard chickens, under certain conditions. There is a city ordinance, a permit requirement, and restrictions, especially around how many hens, what kind of dwelling you have, coop construction, and setbacks. If you’re wondering whether you can legally keep chickens in Norfolk, here are the main rules and what to check.

Relevant Laws & Regulations

  • Norfolk City Code § 6.1-7 covers “Regulations and permit requirements for keeping chickens within the city.”
  • The City requires a permit through the Norfolk Department of Public Health (Environmental Health Bureau) before you keep chickens.
  • Only female chickens (hens) are allowed under the permit—roosters are not permitted.
  • You must live in a single-family dwelling to qualify for the permit. Rental properties require landlord approval.

Key Restrictions & Requirements

  • You can have a maximum of six (6) hens under one permit.
  • Each chicken must have an identification band on the leg or wing with a unique number.
  • The chickens must be kept within the confines of your property. They cannot roam freely beyond your property line.
  • You must get approval before making any changes to your coop that affect setbacks or dimensions.

What Happens If You Don’t Follow the Rules

  • The permit can be revoked for non-compliance or complaints.
  • Violations may result in penalties under city ordinance.

Practical Details & What to Check Locally

  • Check your zoning: You need to be in a single-family dwelling. Multi-family, duplex, apartments likely do not qualify.
  • Check your property lines, size of yard, coop location etc., to ensure you can meet the setbacks and space requirements.
  • If you rent, landlord permission is required. If your property has HOA, deed restrictions, or other private covenants that forbid chickens, those rules may override the city permit.
  • Expect that periodic inspections may be carried out by the city to ensure compliance. Cleanliness, odor control, animal welfare will likely be part of evaluation.

Summary

In short: Yes, hens are allowed in Norfolk VA, as long as you get the required permit, limit to six females, meet dwelling and property requirements, follow coop and setback rules, and stay compliant. Roosters are not allowed. If you check those boxes, you can keep backyard chickens legally in Norfolk.

If you like, I can build a full HTML guide for Norfolk — with coop design examples, layout templates, estimated costs, and a comparison table of suitable coops that meet Norfolk’s code. Want me to put that together for you?