Chicken Zoning Laws in Virginia: A Complete Guide to Raising Legal Backyard Flocks
Raising backyard chickens in Virginia is growing in popularity—from the suburbs of Northern Virginia to the farms of the Shenandoah Valley. Whether you’re looking for fresh eggs, compost for your garden, or a step toward sustainable living, backyard chickens offer big benefits. But before you build a coop or bring home your first flock, you need to understand the chicken zoning laws in your locality.
Virginia does not have a statewide policy for backyard poultry. Instead, each city, town, and county sets its own rules. This guide will walk you through what you need to know to legally and successfully raise chickens in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Are Chickens Legal in Virginia?
Yes, chickens are legal in many parts of Virginia, but the rules vary significantly depending on where you live. Some counties allow unrestricted chicken keeping in rural zones, while urban areas may limit the number of hens, prohibit roosters, or require permits and inspections.
Your ability to keep chickens hinges on your local zoning laws—so it’s essential to confirm your property’s zoning and the relevant regulations before investing in a flock.
How Zoning Affects Chicken Ownership in Virginia
Zoning laws define what kinds of activities are permitted on specific types of land. Your property’s zoning classification will directly affect whether or not you’re allowed to keep chickens. Common zones include:
- Agricultural (A, AG): Typically allows chickens and roosters with few to no restrictions.
- Rural Residential (RR): Generally allows chickens, sometimes with limits on number and coop placement.
- Suburban and Urban Residential (R-1, R-2, etc.): Often allows hens only, sometimes with permits, setbacks, and noise control ordinances.
To check your zoning, visit your local county or city zoning office or look up your property on their GIS zoning map.
Chicken Zoning Laws in Key Virginia Cities and Counties
Fairfax County
Fairfax County updated its rules in recent years to allow backyard chickens on residential lots under certain conditions:
- Up to 12 hens allowed on lots of 2 acres or more
- Lots under 2 acres require a special permit (Special Exception)
- Roosters not allowed in residential areas
- Coops must be at least 10 feet from property lines and 100 feet from dwellings on adjacent properties
Because Fairfax requires permits for smaller lots, using a planning tool like the Chicken Coop Calculator can help ensure your coop design meets all legal setback and size requirements.
Virginia Beach
Virginia Beach allows chickens in residential zones under its Urban Agriculture Ordinance:
- Up to 6 hens permitted in most residential areas
- Roosters prohibited
- Coops must be 10 feet from property lines and in rear yards
- Annual permit required with inspection
Virginia Beach is one of the more chicken-friendly cities, but cleanliness and good neighbor practices are strongly emphasized.
Richmond
The City of Richmond permits chickens but only in certain zones and under tight restrictions:
- Up to 4 hens allowed
- No roosters allowed
- Coop must be in rear yard and meet strict setback requirements
- Permit required through the city’s zoning office
Arlington County
Arlington County allows backyard chickens under specific conditions:
- Hens allowed in residential zones with permit
- Roosters are not allowed
- Maximum of 4 hens per property
- Coop must be located at least 20 feet from any neighboring structure
Arlington requires an annual renewal and compliance inspections, so coop planning and upkeep are essential.
Typical Chicken Keeping Rules Across Virginia
Despite local variations, many cities and counties in Virginia follow similar chicken zoning practices. Here’s a summary of the most common regulations:
| Requirement | Typical Rule |
|---|---|
| Number of Hens | 4 to 6 hens per property |
| Roosters | Generally prohibited in residential zones |
| Permits | Required in most urban and suburban areas |
| Setbacks | 10–25 feet from property lines or neighboring dwellings |
| Cleanliness | Coops must be sanitary and odor-free |
How to Find Out Your Chicken Rights in Virginia
If you’re unsure whether chickens are allowed on your property, follow these steps:
- Search your city or county zoning code online (look for terms like “poultry,” “urban agriculture,” or “domestic animals”)
- Contact your local planning and zoning department directly
- Check your zoning designation using your address and the GIS mapping tool
- Review any HOA or subdivision covenants that may override public ordinances
Once you’ve confirmed you’re allowed to keep chickens, use the Chicken Coop Calculator to design a compliant and functional coop that fits your property and flock size.
What to Do If Chickens Are Not Currently Allowed
If your locality does not allow chickens in your zoning district, here are your options:
- Apply for a Special Use Permit or Zoning Exception through your local government
- Start a petition in your neighborhood to revise outdated animal ordinances
- Attend city council or board of supervisors meetings to voice your support for urban agriculture
In recent years, public support has helped change laws across Virginia to be more chicken-friendly. Your voice matters.
Tips for Responsible Chicken Keeping in Virginia
To ensure you stay compliant and neighbor-friendly, follow these best practices:
- Only keep hens unless roosters are clearly permitted
- Build a secure, weather-resistant, and predator-proof coop
- Clean regularly to prevent odors, pests, and disease
- Place your coop according to local setback rules
- Use the Chicken Coop Calculator to avoid overcrowding and optimize your space
Conclusion: Legal Chickens Start With Smart Planning
Whether you live in the suburbs of Northern Virginia or the rolling farmlands of Southwest Virginia, chicken zoning laws vary by location. The key to success is knowing the rules and planning your flock accordingly. With a little research and the right tools, you can enjoy the benefits of backyard chickens without legal headaches.
The Chicken Coop Calculator makes it easy to plan a legal, well-sized coop that meets your local zoning requirements. Don’t risk non-compliance—start your flock the smart way.
Ready to raise chickens in Virginia? Start today by using the Chicken Coop Calculator to plan a setup that’s both legal and comfortable for your hens.