Virginia Backyard Chicken Laws: Permits by City and County

Virginia Statewide Poultry Regulations & Statutes

In the Commonwealth of Virginia, the right to keep poultry is primarily governed at the local level. While the Virginia Code § 3.2-6000 establishes the state's authority over livestock and poultry health, there is no blanket statewide prohibition against backyard chickens. Instead, Virginia Code § 15.2-2280 grants individual cities and counties the power to determine their own zoning ordinances, which includes setting limits on flock sizes, rooster bans, and coop setbacks.

Important: ⚠️Always verify with your local jurisdiction or HOA.

Virginia Major Cities Rules

Refer to our Official Sources below for data integrity.

Virginia Beach, VA

Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens | Roosters: Not allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: 25 ft from neighboring dwellings

Chesapeake, VA

Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens (lots under 1 acre); no limit (lots over 1 acre) | Roosters: Not allowed (lots under 1 acre) | Permit: Required | Setback: 10 ft from property lines; 25 ft from dwellings

Arlington, VA

Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Not specified | Permit: Not required | Setback: 100 ft from property lines and streets

Norfolk, VA

Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens | Roosters: Not allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: 15 ft from property lines; 20 ft from neighboring dwellings

Richmond, VA

Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens | Roosters: Not allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: 2 ft from property lines; 15 ft from neighboring dwellings

Newport News, VA

Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens | Roosters: Not allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: 30 ft from neighboring dwellings

Alexandria, VA

Hen Limit: Up to 4 hens | Roosters: Not allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: 20 ft from neighboring doors or windows

Hampton, VA

Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens | Roosters: Not allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: 25 ft from property lines

Suffolk, VA

Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens | Roosters: Not allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: 15 ft from side/rear property lines

Roanoke, VA

Hen Limit: Up to 10 hens (lots under 1 acre); no limit (lots over 1 acre) | Roosters: Not allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: 10 ft from side/rear lines; 25 ft from neighboring dwellings

Other Virginia Ordinances by County & City

Refer to our Official Sources below for data integrity.

Accomack County, VA

Accomac, VA

Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: 25 ft from property lines; 50 ft from streets

Belle Haven, VA

Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: 25 ft from property lines

Bloxom, VA

Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: 25 ft from property lines

Chincoteague, VA

Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: 25 ft from property lines

Hallwood, VA

Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: 15 ft from property lines

Keller, VA

Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: 25 ft from property lines

Melfa, VA

Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: 25 ft from property lines

Onancock, VA

Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens | Roosters: Not allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: 20 ft from property lines

Onley, VA

Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: 15 ft from property lines

Painter, VA

Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: 25 ft from property lines

Parksley, VA

Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: 25 ft from property lines

Saxis, VA

Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: 25 ft from property lines

Tangier, VA

Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: 10 ft from property lines

Wachapreague, VA

Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: 25 ft from property lines

Albemarle County, VA

Scottsville, VA

Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens | Roosters: Not allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: 10 ft from property lines; 20 ft from neighboring dwellings

Alleghany County, VA

Clifton Forge, VA

Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens | Roosters: Not allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: 10 ft from property lines; 20 ft from dwellings

Iron Gate, VA

Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens | Roosters: Not allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: 10 ft from property lines

Amherst County, VA

Amherst, VA

Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens | Roosters: Not allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: 15 ft from property lines; 25 ft from neighboring dwellings

Appomattox County, VA

Appomattox, VA

Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens | Roosters: Not allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: 15 ft from property lines; 25 ft from neighboring dwellings

Augusta County, VA

Craigsville, VA

Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: 15 ft from property lines

Bedford County, VA

Bedford, VA

Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens | Roosters: Not allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: 15 ft from side/rear lines; 30 ft from neighboring dwellings

Botetourt County, VA

Buchanan, VA

Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens | Roosters: Not allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: 15 ft from property lines; 30 ft from neighboring dwellings

Fincastle, VA

Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens | Roosters: Not allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: 15 ft from property lines; 30 ft from dwellings

Troutville, VA

Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens | Roosters: Not allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: 15 ft from property lines; 30 ft from neighboring dwellings

Brunswick County, VA

Alberta, VA

Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: 25 ft from property lines

Lawrenceville, VA

Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: 25 ft from property lines

Buchanan County, VA

Grundy, VA

Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens | Roosters: Not allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: 10 ft from property lines

Buckingham County, VA

Dillwyn, VA

Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: 15 ft from property lines

Campbell County, VA

Altavista, VA

Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens | Roosters: Not allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: 10 ft from side/rear lines; 25 ft from neighboring dwellings

Brookneal, VA

Hen Limit: Up to 10 hens | Roosters: Not allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: 10 ft from property lines

Caroline County, VA

Bowling Green, VA

Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens | Roosters: Not allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: 15 ft from property lines

Port Royal, VA

Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens | Roosters: Not allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: 10 ft from property lines; 20 ft from neighboring dwellings

Carroll County, VA

Hillsville, VA

Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: 15 ft from property lines

Charlotte County, VA

Charlotte Court House, VA

Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: 25 ft from property lines

Drakes Branch, VA

Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: 25 ft from property lines

Keysville, VA

Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: 25 ft from property lines

Phenix, VA

Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: 25 ft from property lines

Clarke County, VA

Berryville, VA

Hen Limit: 6–12 hens (by lot size) | Roosters: Not allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: 5 ft from property lines; 40 ft from neighboring dwellings

Boyce, VA

Hen Limit: 6–12 hens (by lot size) | Roosters: Not allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: 5 ft from property lines; 40 ft from neighboring dwellings

Craig County, VA

New Castle, VA

Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: 25 ft from property lines

Culpeper County, VA

Culpeper, VA

Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens | Roosters: Not allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: 10 ft from property lines; 25 ft from neighboring dwellings

Dickenson County, VA

Clinchco, VA

Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: 10 ft from property lines

Clintwood, VA

Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: 10 ft from property lines

Haysi, VA

Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: 10 ft from property lines

Dinwiddie County, VA

McKenney, VA

Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens | Roosters: Not allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: 15 ft from property lines; 25 ft from neighboring dwellings

Essex County, VA

Tappahannock, VA

Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens | Roosters: Not allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: 15 ft from property lines; 30 ft from neighboring dwellings

Fairfax County, VA

Clifton, VA

Hen Limit: 2–4 hens (by lot size) | Roosters: Not allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: 10 ft from property lines

Herndon, VA

Hen Limit: Up to 1 hen | Roosters: Not allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: 10 ft from property lines

Vienna, VA

Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Not allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: 65 ft from neighboring dwellings

Fauquier County, VA

Remington, VA

Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens | Roosters: Not allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: 15 ft from property lines; 30 ft from neighboring dwellings

The Plains, VA

Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens | Roosters: Not allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: 15 ft from property lines; 30 ft from neighboring dwellings

Warrenton, VA

Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens | Roosters: Not allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: 15 ft from property lines; 30 ft from neighboring dwellings

Floyd County, VA

Floyd, VA

Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens | Roosters: Not allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: 10 ft from property lines

Franklin County, VA

Boones Mill, VA

Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens | Roosters: Not allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: 20 ft from property lines

Rocky Mount, VA

Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens | Roosters: Not allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: 15 ft from property lines; 25 ft from neighboring dwellings

Frederick County, VA

Middletown, VA

Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens | Roosters: Not allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: 10 ft from property lines; 20 ft from neighboring dwellings

Stephens City, VA

Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens | Roosters: Not allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: 10 ft from property lines; 20 ft from neighboring dwellings

Giles County, VA

Glen Lyn, VA

Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: 15 ft from property lines

Narrows, VA

Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: 15 ft from property lines

Pearisburg, VA

Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: 15 ft from property lines

Pembroke, VA

Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: 15 ft from property lines

Rich Creek, VA

Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: 15 ft from property lines

Grayson County, VA

Fries, VA

Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: 15 ft from property lines

Independence, VA

Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: 15 ft from property lines

Troutdale, VA

Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: 15 ft from property lines

Greene County, VA

Stanardsville, VA

Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens | Roosters: Not allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: 10 ft from property lines

Greensville County, VA

Jarratt, VA

Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: 25 ft from property lines

Halifax County, VA

Halifax, VA

Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: 25 ft from property lines

Scottsburg, VA

Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: 25 ft from property lines

South Boston, VA

Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens | Roosters: Not allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: 15 ft from property lines

Virgilina, VA

Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: 25 ft from property lines

Hanover County, VA

Ashland, VA

Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens | Roosters: Not allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: 10 ft from property lines; 25 ft from neighboring dwellings

Henry County, VA

Ridgeway, VA

Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: 25 ft from property lines

Highland County, VA

Monterey, VA

Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: 25 ft from property lines

Independent Cities, VA

Bristol, VA

Bristol, VA has a total ban on poultry within city limits

Buena Vista, VA

Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens | Roosters: Not allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: 15 ft from property lines; 25 ft from neighboring dwellings

Charlottesville, VA

Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens | Roosters: Not allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: 10 ft from property lines; 20 ft from neighboring dwellings

Colonial Heights, VA

Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens | Roosters: Not allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: 10 ft from property lines; 25 ft from neighboring dwellings

Covington, VA

Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens | Roosters: Not allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: 10 ft from property lines; 20 ft from neighboring dwellings

Danville, VA

Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens | Roosters: Not allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: 10 ft from property lines; 20 ft from neighboring dwellings

Emporia, VA

Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens | Roosters: Not allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: 15 ft from property lines; 30 ft from neighboring dwellings

Fairfax, VA

Hen Limit: 2–6 hens (by lot size) | Roosters: Not allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: 10 ft from property lines; 25 ft from dwellings

Falls Church, VA

Hen Limit: 2–4 hens (by lot size) | Roosters: Not allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: 10 ft from property lines; 25 ft from neighboring dwellings

Franklin, VA

Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens | Roosters: Not allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: 10 ft from property lines; 25 ft from neighboring dwellings

Fredericksburg, VA

Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens | Roosters: Not allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: 10 ft from property lines; 20 ft from neighboring dwellings

Galax, VA

Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens | Roosters: Not allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: 15 ft from property lines and occupied buildings

Harrisonburg, VA

Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens | Roosters: Not allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: 15 ft from property lines

Hopewell, VA

Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens (0.5+ acres) | Roosters: Not allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: 25 ft from property lines

Lexington, VA

Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens | Roosters: Not allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: Accessory structure setbacks

Lynchburg, VA

Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens | Roosters: Not allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: 15 ft from property lines; 25 ft from neighboring dwellings

Manassas, VA

Hen Limit: Up to 4 hens | Roosters: Not allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: 10 ft from property lines; 20 ft from dwellings

Manassas Park, VA

Hen Limit: Up to 4 hens | Roosters: Not allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: 5 ft from side/rear lines; 20 ft from neighboring dwellings

Martinsville, VA

Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens | Roosters: Not allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: 25 ft from property lines; 40 ft from neighboring dwellings

Norton, VA

Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens | Roosters: Not allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: 15 ft from property lines

Petersburg, VA

Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens | Roosters: Not allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: 10 ft from property lines; 20 ft from neighboring dwellings

Poquoson, VA

Hen Limit: Up to 2 birds (lots under 2 acres) | Roosters: Not allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: 50 ft from property lines; 100 ft from neighboring residences

Portsmouth, VA

Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens | Roosters: Not allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: 20 ft from property lines; 30 ft from neighboring dwellings

Radford, VA

Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens | Roosters: Not allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: 10 ft from property lines; 20 ft from neighboring dwellings

Salem, VA

Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens | Roosters: Not allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: 15 ft from property lines; 30 ft from neighboring dwellings

Staunton, VA

Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens | Roosters: Not allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: 15 ft from property lines; 25 ft from neighboring dwellings

Waynesboro, VA

Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens | Roosters: Not allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: 10 ft from property lines; 20 ft from neighboring dwellings

Williamsburg, VA

Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens | Roosters: Not allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: 15 ft from property lines; 25 ft from neighboring dwellings

Winchester, VA

Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens | Roosters: Not allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: 10 ft from property lines; 20 ft from neighboring dwellings

Isle of Wight County, VA

Smithfield, VA

Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens | Roosters: Not allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: 15 ft from property lines; 30 ft from neighboring dwellings

Windsor, VA

Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens | Roosters: Not allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: 15 ft from property lines; 30 ft from neighboring dwellings

King William County, VA

West Point, VA

Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens | Roosters: Not allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: 15 ft from property lines

Lancaster County, VA

Irvington, VA

Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens | Roosters: Not allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: 25 ft from property lines

Kilmarnock, VA

Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens | Roosters: Not allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: 10 ft from property lines; 25 ft from neighboring dwellings

White Stone, VA

Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens | Roosters: Not allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: 25 ft from property lines

Lee County, VA

Jonesville, VA

Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: 15 ft from property lines

Pennington Gap, VA

Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: 15 ft from property lines

Loudoun County, VA

Hamilton, VA

Hen Limit: Up to 4 hens | Roosters: Not allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: 25 ft from property lines

Hillsboro, VA

Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens | Roosters: Not allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: 10 ft from property lines

Leesburg, VA

Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: 10 ft from property lines

Lovettsville, VA

Hen Limit: Up to 4 hens | Roosters: Not allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: 25 ft from property lines

Middleburg, VA

Hen Limit: Up to 4 hens | Roosters: Not allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: 30 ft from side/rear property lines

Purcellville, VA

Hen Limit: Up to 4 hens | Roosters: Not allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: 25 ft from property lines

Round Hill, VA

Hen Limit: Up to 4 hens | Roosters: Not allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: 25 ft from property lines

Louisa County, VA

Louisa, VA

Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: 15 ft from property lines

Mineral, VA

Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: 15 ft from property lines

Lunenburg County, VA

Kenbridge, VA

Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: 50 ft from property lines

Victoria, VA

Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: 50 ft from property lines

Madison County, VA

Madison, VA

Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens | Roosters: Not allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: 20 ft from neighboring doors/windows

Mecklenburg County, VA

Boydton, VA

Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: 25 ft from property lines

Brodnax, VA

Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: 25 ft from property lines

Chase City, VA

Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens | Roosters: Not allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: 15 ft from property lines

Clarksville, VA

Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens | Roosters: Not allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: 10 ft from property lines; 25 ft from neighboring dwellings

La Crosse, VA

Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens | Roosters: Not allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: 15 ft from property lines

South Hill, VA

Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens | Roosters: Not allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: 15 ft from property lines

Middlesex County, VA

Urbanna, VA

Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens | Roosters: Not allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: 10 ft from property lines; 20 ft from neighboring dwellings

Montgomery County, VA

Blacksburg, VA

Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens | Roosters: Not allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: 10 ft from property lines; 20 ft from neighboring dwellings

Christiansburg, VA

Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens | Roosters: Not allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: 15 ft from property lines

Northampton County, VA

Cape Charles, VA

Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens | Roosters: Not allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: 10 ft from property lines

Cheriton, VA

Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens | Roosters: Not allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: 25 ft from property lines

Eastville, VA

Hen Limit: Up to 10 hens | Roosters: Not allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: 10 ft from property lines

Exmore, VA

Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens | Roosters: Not allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: 20 ft from property lines

Nassawadox, VA

Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens | Roosters: Not allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: 25 ft from property lines

Nottoway County, VA

Blackstone, VA

Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens | Roosters: Not allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: 10 ft from property lines; 25 ft from neighboring dwellings

Burkeville, VA

Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens | Roosters: Not allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: 10 ft from property lines; 25 ft from neighboring dwellings

Crewe, VA

Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens | Roosters: Not allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: 10 ft from property lines; 25 ft from neighboring dwellings

Orange County, VA

Gordonsville, VA

Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens | Roosters: Not allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: 15 ft from property lines

Orange, VA

Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens | Roosters: Not allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: 10 ft from property lines; 20 ft from neighboring dwellings

Page County, VA

Luray, VA

Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens | Roosters: Not allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: 10 ft from property lines; 20 ft from neighboring dwellings

Shenandoah, VA

Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens | Roosters: Not allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: 10 ft from property lines; 20 ft from neighboring dwellings

Stanley, VA

Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens | Roosters: Not allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: 10 ft from property lines; 20 ft from neighboring dwellings

Patrick County, VA

Stuart, VA

Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: 15 ft from property lines

Pittsylvania County, VA

Chatham, VA

Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens | Roosters: Not allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: 15 ft from property lines; 30 ft from neighboring dwellings

Gretna, VA

Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens | Roosters: Not allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: 15 ft from property lines

Hurt, VA

Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens | Roosters: Not allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: 15 ft from property lines

Prince Edward County, VA

Farmville, VA

Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens | Roosters: Not allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: 15 ft from property lines

Pamplin City, VA

Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens | Roosters: Not allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: 15 ft from property lines; 25 ft from neighboring dwellings

Prince William County, VA

Dumfries, VA

Hen Limit: Up to 4 hens | Roosters: Not allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: 10 ft from property lines; 20 ft from dwellings

Haymarket, VA

Hen Limit: Up to 4 hens | Roosters: Not allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: 10 ft from property lines

Occoquan, VA

Hen Limit: Up to 4 hens | Roosters: Not allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: 10 ft from property lines

Quantico, VA

Hen Limit: Up to 4 hens | Roosters: Not allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: 10 ft from property lines

Pulaski County, VA

Dublin, VA

Hen Limit: Up to 10 hens (0.5–2 acres) | Roosters: Not allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: 25 ft from side/rear property lines

Pulaski, VA

Hen Limit: Up to 10 hens (0.5–2 acres) | Roosters: Not allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: 25 ft from side/rear property lines

Rappahannock County, VA

Washington, VA

Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens | Roosters: Not allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: 20 ft from property lines

Richmond County, VA

Warsaw, VA

Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens | Roosters: Not allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: 15 ft from property lines

Roanoke County, VA

Vinton, VA

Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens | Roosters: Not allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: 10 ft from side/rear lines; 25 ft from neighboring dwellings

Rockbridge County, VA

Glasgow, VA

Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: 25 ft from property lines

Goshen, VA

Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: 20 ft from property lines

Rockingham County, VA

Bridgewater, VA

Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens | Roosters: Not allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: 10 ft from property lines; 25 ft from neighboring dwellings

Broadway, VA

Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens | Roosters: Not allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: 10 ft from property lines; 20 ft from neighboring dwellings

Dayton, VA

Hen Limit: Up to 4 hens | Roosters: Not allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: 25 ft from adjoining property lines

Elkton, VA

Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens | Roosters: Not allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: 10 ft from property lines; 25 ft from neighboring dwellings

Grottoes, VA

Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: 25 ft from property lines

Mount Crawford, VA

Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens | Roosters: Not allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: 10 ft from property lines; 25 ft from neighboring dwellings

Timberville, VA

Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens | Roosters: Not allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: 10 ft from property lines; 25 ft from neighboring dwellings

Russell County, VA

Cleveland, VA

Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: 15 ft from property lines

Honaker, VA

Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: 10 ft from property lines

Lebanon, VA

Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens | Roosters: Not allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: 25 ft from neighboring residences

Scott County, VA

Clinchport, VA

Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: 15 ft from property lines

Duffield, VA

Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: 15 ft from property lines

Dungannon, VA

Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: 15 ft from property lines

Gate City, VA

Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: 15 ft from property lines

Nickelsville, VA

Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: 15 ft from property lines

Weber City, VA

Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: 15 ft from property lines

Shenandoah County, VA

Edinburg, VA

Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: 25 ft from property lines

Mount Jackson, VA

Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens | Roosters: Not allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: 15 ft from property lines; 25 ft from neighboring dwellings

New Market, VA

Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens | Roosters: Not allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: 15 ft from property lines; 25 ft from neighboring dwellings

Strasburg, VA

Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens | Roosters: Not allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: 15 ft from property lines; 25 ft from neighboring dwellings

Toms Brook, VA

Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens | Roosters: Not allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: 15 ft from property lines; 25 ft from neighboring dwellings

Woodstock, VA

Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens | Roosters: Not allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: 15 ft from property lines; 25 ft from neighboring dwellings

Smyth County, VA

Chilhowie, VA

Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens | Roosters: Not allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: 20 ft from property lines

Marion, VA

Marion, VA has a total ban on poultry within city limits

Saltville, VA

Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens | Roosters: Not allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: 20 ft from property lines

Southampton County, VA

Boykins, VA

Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: 50 ft from property lines

Branchville, VA

Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: 50 ft from property lines

Capron, VA

Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: 50 ft from property lines

Courtland, VA

Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: 50 ft from property lines

Ivor, VA

Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: 50 ft from property lines

Newsoms, VA

Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: 50 ft from property lines

Surry County, VA

Claremont, VA

Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: 25 ft from property lines

Dendron, VA

Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: 25 ft from property lines

Surry, VA

Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: 25 ft from property lines

Sussex County, VA

Stony Creek, VA

Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: 25 ft from property lines

Wakefield, VA

Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: 25 ft from property lines

Waverly, VA

Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: 25 ft from property lines

Tazewell County, VA

Bluefield, VA

Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: 15 ft from property lines

Cedar Bluff, VA

Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: 15 ft from property lines

Pocahontas, VA

Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens | Roosters: Not allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: 15 ft from property lines

Richlands, VA

Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: 15 ft from property lines

Tazewell, VA

Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: 15 ft from property lines

Warren County, VA

Front Royal, VA

Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens | Roosters: Not allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: 25 ft from property lines; 20 ft from dwellings

Washington County, VA

Abingdon, VA

Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens | Roosters: Not allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: 15 ft from property lines; 30 ft from neighboring dwellings

Damascus, VA

Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens | Roosters: Not allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: 15 ft from property lines; 30 ft from neighboring dwellings

Glade Spring, VA

Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens | Roosters: Not allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: 10 ft from property lines; 20 ft from dwellings

Westmoreland County, VA

Colonial Beach, VA

Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens | Roosters: Not allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: 10 ft from property lines; 20 ft from neighboring dwellings

Montross, VA

Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens | Roosters: Not allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: 10 ft from property lines; 20 ft from neighboring dwellings

Wise County, VA

Appalachia, VA

Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: 10 ft from property lines

Big Stone Gap, VA

Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: 10 ft from property lines

Coeburn, VA

Hen Limit: Up to 10 hens | Roosters: Not allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: 15 ft from property lines

Pound, VA

Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: 10 ft from property lines

St. Paul, VA

Hen Limit: Up to 10 hens | Roosters: Not allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: 15 ft from property lines

Wise, VA

Hen Limit: Up to 10 hens | Roosters: Not allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: 15 ft from property lines

Wythe County, VA

Rural Retreat, VA

Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: 25 ft from property lines

Wytheville, VA

Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: 25 ft from property lines

Virginia Rural Towns & Unincorporated Areas

Virginia has no statewide hen cap. Outside city limits, county zoning usually controls backyard flocks. Agricultural and rural-residential districts are typically the most flexible: larger flocks and roosters are often allowed if birds stay confined and do not create a noise or odor nuisance. Intensive commercial poultry operations can trigger extra setbacks and special-use permits.

Village and suburban-residential pockets inside a county can still look like city rules—small hen caps, no roosters, and rear-yard coops. A few counties have little or no zoning, so general nuisance and animal-care rules apply. Always confirm your parcel’s zoning with the county planning office, and check HOA covenants if you live in a subdivision.

Zoning, Permits, and HOA Notes

In Virginia, the Right to Farm Act (§ 3.2-300) provides some protections for agricultural operations, but local zoning ordinances heavily regulate backyard poultry in residential areas. In urban jurisdictions like Arlington (Zoning Ordinance § 12.7.1), extreme 100-foot setbacks from property lines often act as a de facto ban for standard lots. Furthermore, Homeowners Associations (HOAs) in Virginia have significant authority under the Property Owners' Association Act (§ 55.1-1800) to prohibit or restrict poultry, as these private restrictive covenants generally supersede permissive local zoning.

Virginia Predator Challenges

Virginia’s environment supports a wide array of predators including raccoons, opossums, coyotes, and birds of prey. While Virginia Code § 29.1-511 generally allows for the taking of nuisance species that are "found in the act" of damaging poultry, owners are encouraged to prioritize physical defenses.

Protection Tips: Install "predator aprons" of hardware cloth to deter foxes and coyotes, ensure coops have overhead protection against hawks, and use complex latches to prevent raccoons from entering.

Permits and Local Requirements

Virginia does not have a statewide backyard chicken license; instead, regulations are highly localized. For example, Richmond City Code § 4-96 requires an annual permit and a one-time $60 fee to keep up to six hens. Conversely, Fairfax County (Zoning Ordinance § 4102.7.L) allows backyard chickens on lots smaller than two acres only with an approved Administrative Permit and strict adherence to enclosure size and location rules.

Selling Backyard Eggs in Virginia

Small-scale egg sales are governed by the Virginia Egg Law (§ 3.2-5300). Small flock owners (typically those with fewer than 3,000 birds) are exempt from certain grading requirements but must follow basic safety standards:

Labeling: Cartons must include the producer's name, address, and the word "Ungraded" if they have not been officially graded (§ 3.2-5305).

Storage: Eggs must be kept at a temperature of 45°F or lower to prevent spoilage and bacterial growth.

Cleanliness: Eggs offered for sale must be clean and free of cracks.

Virginia State Poultry Slaughter Rules

Virginia offers a 1,000-bird exemption consistent with federal guidelines, allowing producers to process their own poultry on-farm without continuous inspection for direct-to-consumer sales (Virginia Code § 3.2-5400). However, local ordinances in independent cities often place hurdles on the practice; many urban areas, including Alexandria and Arlington, have nuisance or sanitation codes that effectively require slaughtering to be conducted in a manner that is not visible or audible to the public to avoid "public distress" or sanitary violations.

Essential Guides for Backyard Chicken Success

How do I raise backyard chickens successfully?

Planning your coop? Use our Step-by-Step DIY Chicken Coop Guide to build a secure, well-ventilated shelter suited to Virginia’s hot, humid summers, mild winters, and occasional wet weather.

Already keeping hens? Give your flock the best chance of thriving in the Old Dominion. Learn how to choose breeds that handle Virginia’s climate, manage summer heat and humidity, and protect against common local predators. Our practical guides help you keep a healthy, productive, and neighbor-friendly flock year-round.

Complete Resource: View Our Ultimate Backyard Chicken Management Guide

Official Sources

1. When available, we reference Virginia municipal bylaws and ordinances from verified platforms like ecode360.com, municode.com, and local government websites at the time of publication.

2. Va. Code Title 3.2, Ch. 60 (Livestock & Poultry) — state animal-health and poultry rules.

3. Va. Code § 15.2-2280 (Local Zoning Authority) — cities and counties set flock limits, permits, and setbacks.

4. When a city or county has no published ordinance available in the sources above, we state “no publicly available ordinance data.” This does not mean chickens are banned — only that we could not locate a citable published rule. See our disclaimer below.