Chicken Laws by County in West Virginia
Thinking about raising backyard chickens in West Virginia? You’re not alone. Whether it’s for fresh eggs, sustainable living, or just the charm of a feathered flock, more West Virginians are embracing the backyard chicken lifestyle. But before you start building your coop, there’s a critical step you can’t skip:
Understand your county’s chicken laws—because they vary widely across the state.
In this guide, we’ll break down chicken laws by county across West Virginia so you can stay legal, avoid costly mistakes, and confidently raise a healthy flock.
Are Chickens Legal in West Virginia?
Yes, chickens are legal to raise in most parts of West Virginia, especially in rural areas. However, each county and city can set its own rules about:
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Number of chickens allowed
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Whether roosters are permitted
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Minimum lot sizes
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Zoning requirements
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Coop setbacks and maintenance standards
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Noise and sanitation enforcement
Let’s walk through some of the largest and most populated counties in West Virginia to understand the local ordinances you should be aware of.
Kanawha County (Charleston)
Can you keep chickens in Charleston or Kanawha County?
Yes—with zoning-based restrictions.
Charleston City:
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Chickens are allowed on residential properties with adequate space.
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Roosters are generally not permitted due to noise ordinances.
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Coops must be located in rear yards only and kept clean.
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6–8 hens are typically allowed without a special permit.
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If you live in a densely populated area, you may need to apply for a variance.
Kanawha County (outside city limits):
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Chicken keeping is widely allowed, especially on agriculturally zoned or rural properties.
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Roosters are permitted in rural areas.
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Coop placement must follow basic sanitation and animal control guidelines.
Monongalia County (Morgantown)
What are the chicken laws in Monongalia County?
They vary based on whether you’re in the city or county.
Morgantown:
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Backyard chickens are allowed in residential zones.
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Limit: Up to 6 hens per property.
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Roosters are not allowed.
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Coops must be set back at least 15 feet from neighboring homes.
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You must keep the enclosure clean and ensure birds are not free-roaming.
Unincorporated areas of Monongalia County:
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Often allow more chickens and may permit roosters.
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Agricultural or low-density residential zoning generally supports larger flocks.
Berkeley County (Martinsburg)
Are chickens allowed in Berkeley County?
Yes—especially outside city limits.
Martinsburg City:
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Allows backyard chickens in residential zones with restrictions.
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Typically permits 4–6 hens, no roosters.
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Chickens must be kept in a secure coop, in the backyard only.
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Coop placement should be at least 20 feet from any dwelling.
Berkeley County (unincorporated):
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No countywide prohibition on chickens.
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Roosters are allowed in rural or agriculturally zoned properties.
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Lot size and local neighborhood covenants may apply.
Cabell County (Huntington)
What’s the chicken policy in Huntington and Cabell County?
Huntington City:
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Allows up to 6 hens on residential lots.
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Roosters are not permitted.
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Chickens must be kept in a predator-proof coop, located in the backyard.
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Must maintain cleanliness and odor control.
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No selling of eggs or poultry from residential property.
Cabell County:
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Rural areas allow chickens with minimal restrictions.
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Roosters are permitted in non-urban zones.
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Be sure to follow animal control ordinances to avoid nuisance complaints.
Wood County (Parkersburg)
Are chickens allowed in Wood County?
Yes—with some local limits.
Parkersburg:
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Allows up to 5 hens per residential lot.
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No roosters.
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Chickens must be contained, not allowed to roam freely.
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Coops must be behind the house and properly maintained.
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Flock must not become a nuisance to neighbors.
Unincorporated Wood County:
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Typically allows chickens and roosters.
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More flexible for those in agricultural or rural residential zones.
Raleigh County (Beckley)
Is it legal to raise chickens in Raleigh County?
Yes—with a few conditions.
Beckley City:
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Allows residents to keep up to 6 hens.
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Roosters are not allowed within city limits.
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Coops must be set back from property lines and regularly cleaned.
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Chickens must be kept within a fenced enclosure.
Rural Raleigh County:
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More freedom to raise chickens and keep roosters.
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HOA or subdivision rules may impose additional limitations.
Jefferson County (Charles Town)
What are the chicken laws in Jefferson County?
Charles Town:
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Allows backyard chickens with a limit of 5–6 hens.
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Roosters prohibited in residential zones.
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Coops must be secure, odor-free, and placed in the backyard.
County-wide:
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Chickens are allowed in most zones, with larger flocks permitted in rural areas.
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Roosters are allowed on agricultural lots.
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Some areas may require a special permit or inspection depending on the setup.
Common Chicken Laws Across West Virginia Counties
| County/City | Hens Allowed | Roosters | Permit Required | Coop Setback Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charleston | 6–8 | No | Sometimes | Rear yard, clean conditions |
| Morgantown | 6 | No | No | 15 ft from neighboring home |
| Martinsburg | 4–6 | No | No | 20 ft from dwellings |
| Huntington | 6 | No | No | Backyard only |
| Parkersburg | 5 | No | No | Behind home only |
| Beckley | 6 | No | No | Backyard, fenced area |
| Charles Town | 5–6 | No | No | Backyard only |
Coop Size and Placement Rules in West Virginia
Regardless of your county, most municipalities and townships follow similar expectations for coop construction and chicken care:
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3–4 square feet per chicken inside the coop
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8–10 square feet per chicken in an outdoor run
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Coops must be:
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Well-ventilated and predator-proof
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Kept clean and free of odor
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Set back 10–25 feet from property lines or neighboring homes
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Chickens must be contained within your property
Need help figuring out how much coop space you need for your hens? Try our chicken coop calculator. It’s the easiest way to plan your setup based on your flock size, property size, and legal requirements.
Whether you’re raising 3 hens or 10, the chicken coop calculator ensures your coop is legal, functional, and hen-friendly.
Tips to Keep Your Chicken Setup Legal in West Virginia
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Check zoning laws before you build or buy a coop.
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Avoid roosters unless you’re in a clearly rural or agricultural zone.
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Keep coops clean and quiet to avoid neighbor complaints.
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Secure your coop to prevent escapes and predator attacks.
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Talk to neighbors ahead of time—it can prevent issues later.
Conclusion: Know the Rules Before You Raise Chickens in West Virginia
Backyard chickens are welcome in much of West Virginia—but understanding your county’s specific laws is essential. Whether you live in Charleston, Morgantown, or a small rural town, local ordinances will determine your flock size, coop setup, and whether roosters are allowed.
Ready to build your coop? Start smart with the chicken coop calculator. It helps you calculate how much coop space your chicken needs based on flock size and layout—so you stay legal and your hens stay happy.
With the right knowledge and setup, raising chickens in West Virginia is rewarding, responsible, and completely doable.
