West Virginia Backyard Chicken Laws: Permits, Hen Limits, and Setbacks by City and County

Last updated: May 12, 2026

Table of Contents

How many chickens can I have inside West Virginia city limits?

• Hen Limit: No statewide limit — determined locally by cities and counties (typically 4–8 hens in urban areas; more permissive in rural zones)
• Roosters: Allowed statewide, but frequently prohibited or restricted locally due to noise ordinances
• Coop Permit: No statewide permit required — many cities require a local permit or registration
• Setback: No statewide requirement — local codes commonly mandate 10–50 ft from neighboring dwellings or property lines
• Key Restrictions: Chickens must not create a public nuisance (odor, noise, flies, or runoff). Poultry cannot run at large (§19-18-3). Proper coop sanitation and biosecurity are required to prevent disease spread.
• Relevant State Codes: WV Code §19-18 (Livestock Trespass/Nuisance), WVDA Animal Health Regulations, and local municipal codes. WV Code §19-19 (Right to Farm Act)

The Right to Farm Act protects established agricultural operations from nuisance complaints, but it does not override city or county zoning rules. Backyard chicken keepers living in residential neighborhoods are not exempt from local bans, setbacks, or permit requirements.

Official Sources

Alert: Local rules change frequently. Always verify with your city or county zoning, animal control, or code enforcement office. Homeowners Associations (HOAs) can impose stricter rules than local government.

Find your specific city or county ordinances below in the city-by-city listings.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many chickens can I have in Beckley, West Virginia?

In Beckley, West Virginia, there is a total ban on poultry within city limits. Roosters not allowed. Section § 3-12.

How many chickens can I have in Bluefield, West Virginia?

In Bluefield, West Virginia, the limit is not specified. Roosters allowed. Permit required (no fee). Requires consent from majority of neighbors within 500ft. Section § 3-7.

How many chickens can I have in Bridgeport, West Virginia?

In Bridgeport, West Virginia, you can keep up to 10 adult fowl. Roosters not allowed. No permit. Setback 100ft from neighboring residences. Section § 2.10.001.

How many chickens can I have in Charles Town, West Virginia?

In Charles Town, West Virginia, you can keep up to 25 hens. Roosters allowed. No permit required. Section § 4-104.

How many chickens can I have in Charleston, West Virginia?

In Charleston, West Virginia, you can keep up to 6 hens. Roosters allowed. Permit required. Setback 25ft from neighboring structures. Section § 10-11.

How many chickens can I have in Clarksburg, West Virginia?

In Clarksburg, West Virginia, you can keep up to 20 domestic fowl. Roosters allowed. No permit. Setback 30ft from neighboring homes. Section § 505.01.

How many chickens can I have in Dunbar, West Virginia?

In Dunbar, West Virginia, municipal code does not specify backyard chicken ordinances; contact the city directly to confirm current rules.

How many chickens can I have in Fairmont, West Virginia?

In Fairmont, West Virginia, you can keep up to 5 hens. Roosters not allowed. No permit. Setback 35ft from neighboring residences. Section § 4-23(d).

How many chickens can I have in Huntington, West Virginia?

In Huntington, West Virginia, the limit is not specified. Roosters allowed. Permit required. Section § 505.13.

How many chickens can I have in Hurricane, West Virginia?

In Hurricane, West Virginia, you can keep up to 4 hens. Roosters not allowed. Permit required ($5 fee). Setback 25ft from neighboring structures. Section § 505.12.

How many chickens can I have in Martinsburg, West Virginia?

In Martinsburg, West Virginia, there is a total ban on poultry within city limits. Roosters not allowed. Section § 505.13.

How many chickens can I have in Morgantown, West Virginia?

In Morgantown, West Virginia, you can keep up to 4 hens. Roosters not allowed. Permit required ($15 fee). Setback 10ft property lines and 20ft neighboring dwellings. Section § 505.13.

How many chickens can I have in Moundsville, West Virginia?

In Moundsville, West Virginia, there is a total ban on poultry within city limits. Roosters not allowed. Section § 505.02.

How many chickens can I have in Oak Hill, West Virginia?

In Oak Hill, West Virginia, municipal code does not specify backyard chicken ordinances; contact the city directly to confirm current rules.

How many chickens can I have in Parkersburg, West Virginia?

In Parkersburg, West Virginia, you can keep up to 6 hens. Roosters not allowed. Permit required. Setback 15ft property lines and 20ft neighboring dwellings. Section § 505.12.

How many chickens can I have in South Charleston, West Virginia?

In South Charleston, West Virginia, there is a total ban on poultry within city limits. Roosters not allowed. Section § 505.12.

How many chickens can I have in St. Albans, West Virginia?

In St. Albans, West Virginia, you can keep up to 6 hens. Roosters not allowed. Permit required. Setback 25ft from neighboring structures. Section § 505.12.

How many chickens can I have in Vienna, West Virginia?

In Vienna, West Virginia, you can keep up to 6 hens. Roosters not allowed. Permit required. Setback 20ft from neighboring dwellings. Section § 505.12.

How many chickens can I have in Weirton, West Virginia?

In Weirton, West Virginia, the limit is not specified. Roosters not allowed. Permit required. Setback 60ft from neighboring structures. Section § 505.11.

How many chickens can I have in Wheeling, West Virginia?

In Wheeling, West Virginia, you can keep up to 6 chickens. Roosters not allowed. Permit required. Setback 10ft property lines and 30ft neighboring dwellings. Section § 505.15.

West Virginia Ordinances by City & County

Browse the alphabetical list of incorporated cities below to find specific number of hens, rooster bans, and coop setbacks within your city limits.

Ansted (Fayette County)

A review of the publicly available Ansted municipal code § did not reveal any specific backyard chicken ordinances; residents should contact the city directly to confirm current rules.

Athens (Mercer County)

• Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens
• Roosters: Not allowed
• Permit: Required
• Setback: Coops must be 20 ft from any dwelling
• Section: Order No. 2012-01
• Source: townofathenswv.com

Barboursville (Cabell County)

A review of the publicly available Barboursville municipal code § did not reveal any specific backyard chicken ordinances; residents should contact the city directly to confirm current rules.

Barrackville (Marion County)

A review of the publicly available Barrackville municipal code § did not reveal any specific backyard chicken ordinances; residents should contact the city directly to confirm current rules.

Beckley (Raleigh County)

Total ban on poultry within Beckley city limits | Section § 3-12 | Source: beckley.org

Belington (Barbour County)

A review of the publicly available Belington municipal code § did not reveal any specific backyard chicken ordinances; residents should contact the city directly to confirm current rules.

Belle (Kanawha County)

A review of the publicly available Belle municipal code § did not reveal any specific backyard chicken ordinances; residents should contact the city directly to confirm current rules.

Benwood (Marshall County)

A review of the publicly available Benwood municipal code § did not reveal any specific backyard chicken ordinances; residents should contact the city directly to confirm current rules.

Bethlehem (Ohio County)

• Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens
• Roosters: Allowed
• Permit: Required for more than 6 hens
• Section: § 1159.03
• Source: bethlehem-pa.gov

Bluefield (Mercer County)

• Hen Limit: Not specified
• Roosters: Allowed
• Permit: Required with no fee
• Restrictions: Applications must include a certificate of consent signed by a majority of householders within 500 feet of the coop.
• Section: § 3-7
• Source: amlegal.com

Bridgeport (Harrison County)

• Hen Limit: Up to 10 adult fowl
• Roosters: Not allowed
• Permit: Not required
• Setback: 100 ft from any residence (excluding the owner's)
• Section: § 2.10.001
• Source: bridgeportwv.com

Buckhannon (Upshur County)

Total ban on poultry within Buckhannon city limits | Section § Ordinance 300, Art. XVII | Source: buckhannonwv.org

Buffalo (Putnam County)

A review of the publicly available Buffalo municipal code § did not reveal any specific backyard chicken ordinances; residents should contact the city directly to confirm current rules.

Ceredo (Wayne County)

A review of the publicly available Ceredo municipal code § did not reveal any specific backyard chicken ordinances; residents should contact the city directly to confirm current rules.

Charleston (Kanawha County)

• Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens
• Roosters: Allowed
• Permit: Required
• Setback: 25 ft from any structure owned by another and used for human habitation
• Section: § 10-11
• Source: charlestonwv.gov

Charles Town (Jefferson County)

• Hen Limit: Up to 25 hens
• Roosters: Allowed
• Permit: Not required
• Section: § 4-104
• Source: charlestownwv.us

Chesapeake (Kanawha County)

A review of the publicly available Chesapeake municipal code § did not reveal any specific backyard chicken ordinances; residents should contact the city directly to confirm current rules.

Chester (Hancock County)

A review of the publicly available Chester municipal code § did not reveal any specific backyard chicken ordinances; residents should contact the city directly to confirm current rules.

Clarksburg (Harrison County)

• Hen Limit: Up to 20 domestic fowl
• Roosters: Allowed
• Permit: Not required
• Setback: 30 ft from any neighboring home
• Section: § 505.01
• Source: cityofclarksburgwv.com

Dunbar (Kanawha County)

A review of the publicly available Dunbar municipal code § did not reveal any specific backyard chicken ordinances; residents should contact the city directly to confirm current rules.

Eleanor (Putnam County)

• Hen Limit: Up to 4 hens
• Roosters: Not allowed
• Permit: Required with $10 fee
• Section: § 505.23
• Source: eleanorwv.com

Elkins (Randolph County)

• Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens
• Roosters: Not allowed
• Permit: Required with $5 fee
• Setback: 25 ft from any neighboring residence
• Section: § 91.20
• Source: cityofelkinswv.com

Fairmont (Marion County)

• Hen Limit: Up to 5 hens
• Roosters: Not allowed
• Permit: Not required
• Setback: 35 ft from any residence other than the owner’s
• Section: § 4-23(d)
• Source: fairmontwv.gov

Fayetteville (Fayette County)

A review of the publicly available Fayetteville municipal code § did not reveal any specific backyard chicken ordinances; residents should contact the city directly to confirm current rules.

Follansbee (Brooke County)

A review of the publicly available Follansbee municipal code § did not reveal any specific backyard chicken ordinances; residents should contact the city directly to confirm current rules.

Glen Dale (Marshall County)

Total ban on poultry within Glen Dale city limits | Section § 505.13 | Source: glendalewv.gov

Glenville (Gilmer County)

Total ban on poultry within Glenville city limits | Section § 3-1 | Source: glenvillewv.gov

Grafton (Taylor County)

A review of the publicly available Grafton municipal code § did not reveal any specific backyard chicken ordinances; residents should contact the city directly to confirm current rules.

Granville (Monongalia County)

A review of the publicly available Granville municipal code § did not reveal any specific backyard chicken ordinances; residents should contact the city directly to confirm current rules.

Harrisville (Ritchie County)

A review of the publicly available Harrisville municipal code § did not reveal any specific backyard chicken ordinances; residents should contact the city directly to confirm current rules.

Hinton (Summers County)

A review of the publicly available Hinton municipal code § did not reveal any specific backyard chicken ordinances; residents should contact the city directly to confirm current rules.

Huntington (Cabell & Wayne County)

• Hen Limit: Not specified
• Roosters: Allowed
• Permit: Required
• Section: § 505.13
• Source: hstwv.org

Hurricane (Putnam County)

• Hen Limit: Up to 4 hens
• Roosters: Not allowed
• Permit: Required with $5 fee
• Setback: 25 ft from any structure used for human habitation
• Section: § 505.12
• Source: hurricanewv.com

Kenova (Wayne County)

A review of the publicly available Kenova municipal code § did not reveal any specific backyard chicken ordinances; residents should contact the city directly to confirm current rules.

Keyser (Mineral County)

Total ban on poultry within Keyser city limits | Section § 3-1 | Source: cityofkeyser.com

Kingwood (Preston County)

Total ban on poultry within Kingwood city limits | Section § 90.06 | Source: kingwoodwv.org

Lewisburg (Greenbrier County)

• Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens
• Roosters: Not allowed
• Permit: Required
• Setback: 20 ft from any property line
• Section: § 505.14
• Source: lewisburg-wv.com

Logan (Logan County)

• Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens
• Roosters: Not allowed
• Permit: Required
• Setback: 25 ft from any dwelling on adjacent lots
• Section: § 17.37.080
• Source: cityofloganwv.com

Mabscott (Raleigh County)

A review of the publicly available Mabscott municipal code § did not reveal any specific backyard chicken ordinances; residents should contact the city directly to confirm current rules.

McMechen (Marshall County)

A review of the publicly available McMechen municipal code § did not reveal any specific backyard chicken ordinances; residents should contact the city directly to confirm current rules.

Madison (Boone County)

• Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens
• Roosters: Not allowed
• Permit: Required
• Setback: 20 ft from the door or window of any occupied structure other than the owner's
• Restrictions: Chickens must be kept in the rear or side yard; visibility must be obstructed at a height of 5 ft from the public or neighbors.
• Section: § 5.235
• Source: cityofmadisonwv.com

Mannington (Marion County)

Total ban on poultry within Mannington city limits | Section § Chapter 2, (b)(2) | Source: zoneomics.com

Marmet (Kanawha County)

A review of the publicly available Marmet municipal code § did not reveal any specific backyard chicken ordinances; residents should contact the city directly to confirm current rules.

Martinsburg (Berkeley County)

Total ban on poultry within Martinsburg city limits | Section § 505.13 | Source: cityofmartinsburg.org

Milton (Cabell County)

• Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens
• Roosters: Not allowed
• Permit: Required with $55 one-time fee
• Setback: 25 ft from any habitable structure on neighboring property
• Section: Ordinance July 2020
• Source: cityofmiltonwv.com

Monongah (Marion County)

A review of the publicly available Monongah municipal code § did not reveal any specific backyard chicken ordinances; residents should contact the city directly to confirm current rules.

Montgomery (Fayette & Kanawha County)

• Hen Limit: Up to 4 hens (on lots < 40,000 sq ft)
• Roosters: Not allowed
• Permit: Required
• Setback: 20 ft from property lines; 25 ft from any residential structure
• Restrictions: Minimum lot area of 20,000 sq ft required; coop/run must be shielded from view of adjacent properties by fence or shrubbery.
• Section: § 230-149.D
• Source: ecode360.com

Moorefield (Hardy County)

A review of the publicly available Moorefield municipal code § did not reveal any specific backyard chicken ordinances; residents should contact the city directly to confirm current rules.

Morgantown (Monongalia County)

• Hen Limit: Up to 4 hens
• Roosters: Not allowed
• Permit: Required with $15 fee
• Setback: 10 ft from property lines; 20 ft from neighboring dwellings
• Section: § 505.13
• Source: morgantownwv.gov

Moundsville (Marshall County)

Total ban on poultry within Moundsville city limits | Section § 505.02 | Source: cityofmoundsville.com

Mount Hope (Fayette County)

A review of the publicly available Mount Hope municipal code § did not reveal any specific backyard chicken ordinances; residents should contact the city directly to confirm current rules.

Mullens (Wyoming County)

A review of the publicly available Mullens municipal code § did not reveal any specific backyard chicken ordinances; residents should contact the city directly to confirm current rules.

New Haven (Mason County)

A review of the publicly available New Haven municipal code § did not reveal any specific backyard chicken ordinances; residents should contact the city directly to confirm current rules.

New Martinsville (Wetzel County)

A review of the publicly available New Martinsville municipal code § did not reveal any specific backyard chicken ordinances; residents should contact the city directly to confirm current rules.

Nitro (Kanawha & Putnam County)

• Hen Limit: Up to 4 hens
• Roosters: Not allowed
• Permit: Required
• Setback: 25 ft from any structure used for human habitation
• Section: § 505.12
• Source: cityofnitro.org

Nutter Fort (Harrison County)

A review of the publicly available Nutter Fort municipal code § did not reveal any specific backyard chicken ordinances; residents should contact the city directly to confirm current rules.

Oak Hill (Fayette County)

A review of the publicly available Oak Hill municipal code § did not reveal any specific backyard chicken ordinances; residents should contact the city directly to confirm current rules.

Oceana (Wyoming County)

A review of the publicly available Oceana municipal code § did not reveal any specific backyard chicken ordinances; residents should contact the city directly to confirm current rules.

Paden City (Tyler & Wetzel County)

A review of the publicly available Paden City municipal code § did not reveal any specific backyard chicken ordinances; residents should contact the city directly to confirm current rules.

Parkersburg (Wood County)

• Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens
• Roosters: Not allowed
• Permit: Required
• Setback: 15 ft from property lines; 20 ft from any neighboring dwelling
• Section: § 505.12
• Source: parkersburgwv.gov

Parsons (Tucker County)

A review of the publicly available Parsons municipal code § did not reveal any specific backyard chicken ordinances; residents should contact the city directly to confirm current rules.

Pennsboro (Ritchie County)

A review of the publicly available Pennsboro municipal code § did not reveal any specific backyard chicken ordinances; residents should contact the city directly to confirm current rules.

Petersburg (Grant County)

A review of the publicly available Petersburg municipal code § did not reveal any specific backyard chicken ordinances; residents should contact the city directly to confirm current rules.

Philippi (Barbour County)

A review of the publicly available Philippi municipal code § did not reveal any specific backyard chicken ordinances; residents should contact the city directly to confirm current rules.

Pleasant Valley (Marion County)

A review of the publicly available Pleasant Valley municipal code § did not reveal any specific backyard chicken ordinances; residents should contact the city directly to confirm current rules.

Point Pleasant (Mason County)

Total ban on poultry within Point Pleasant city limits | Section § 505.01 | Source: pointpleasantwv.org

Princeton (Mercer County)

• Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens
• Roosters: Not allowed
• Permit: Required with $10 fee
• Setback: 25 ft from neighboring dwellings
• Section: § 505.14
• Source: princetonwv.gov

Rainelle (Greenbrier County)

A review of the publicly available Rainelle municipal code § did not reveal any specific backyard chicken ordinances; residents should contact the city directly to confirm current rules.

Ranson (Jefferson County)

• Hen Limit: No specified limit
• Roosters: Not allowed
• Permit: Not required
• Section: § 4-2
• Source: ransonwv.us

Ravenswood (Jackson County)

A review of the publicly available Ravenswood municipal code § did not reveal any specific backyard chicken ordinances; residents should contact the city directly to confirm current rules.

Richwood (Nicholas County)

A review of the publicly available Richwood municipal code § did not reveal any specific backyard chicken ordinances; residents should contact the city directly to confirm current rules.

Ripley (Jackson County)

A review of the publicly available Ripley municipal code § did not reveal any specific backyard chicken ordinances; residents should contact the city directly to confirm current rules.

Romney (Hampshire County)

A review of the publicly available Romney municipal code § did not reveal any specific backyard chicken ordinances; residents should contact the city directly to confirm current rules.

Ronceverte (Greenbrier County)

A review of the publicly available Ronceverte municipal code § did not reveal any specific backyard chicken ordinances; residents should contact the city directly to confirm current rules.

St. Albans (Kanawha County)

• Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens
• Roosters: Not allowed
• Permit: Required
• Setback: 25 ft from any structure used for human habitation
• Section: § 505.12
• Source: saintalbanswv.com

St. Marys (Pleasants County)

A review of the publicly available St. Marys municipal code § did not reveal any specific backyard chicken ordinances; residents should contact the city directly to confirm current rules.

Salem (Harrison County)

• Hen Limit: Up to 12 poultry total
• Roosters: Not allowed
• Permit: Not required
• Setback: 25 ft from a residence on an adjacent property
• Section: § 50.710
• Source: cityofsalem.net

Shepherdstown (Jefferson County)

• Hen Limit: Up to 25 chickens
• Roosters: Allowed
• Permit: Not required
• Section: § 4-104
• Source: shepherdstown.gov

Shinnston (Harrison County)

A review of the publicly available Shinnston municipal code § did not reveal any specific backyard chicken ordinances; residents should contact the city directly to confirm current rules.

Sistersville (Tyler County)

A review of the publicly available Sistersville municipal code § did not reveal any specific backyard chicken ordinances; residents should contact the city directly to confirm current rules.

Sophia (Raleigh County)

A review of the publicly available Sophia municipal code § did not reveal any specific backyard chicken ordinances; residents should contact the city directly to confirm current rules.

South Charleston (Kanawha County)

Total ban on poultry within South Charleston city limits | Section § 505.12 | Source: southcharlestonwv.org

Spencer (Roane County)

A review of the publicly available Spencer municipal code § did not reveal any specific backyard chicken ordinances; residents should contact the city directly to confirm current rules.

Star City (Monongalia County)

• Hen Limit: Up to 4 hens
• Roosters: Not allowed
• Permit: Required with $10 fee
• Section: § 505.12
• Source: starcitywv.com

Stonewood (Harrison County)

A review of the publicly available Stonewood municipal code § did not reveal any specific backyard chicken ordinances; residents should contact the city directly to confirm current rules.

Summersville (Nicholas County)

A review of the publicly available Summersville municipal code § did not reveal any specific backyard chicken ordinances; residents should contact the city directly to confirm current rules.

Terra Alta (Preston County)

A review of the publicly available Terra Alta municipal code § did not reveal any specific backyard chicken ordinances; residents should contact the city directly to confirm current rules.

Vienna (Wood County)

• Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens
• Roosters: Not allowed
• Permit: Required
• Setback: 20 ft from any neighboring dwelling
• Section: § 505.12
• Source: vienna-wv.com

Wayne (Wayne County)

A review of the publicly available Wayne municipal code § did not reveal any specific backyard chicken ordinances; residents should contact the city directly to confirm current rules.

Weirton (Brooke & Hancock County)

• Hen Limit: Not specified
• Roosters: Not allowed
• Permit: Required
• Setback: 60 ft from any structure owned by another and used for human habitation
• Section: § 505.11
• Source: cityofweirton.com

Welch (McDowell County)

A review of the publicly available Welch municipal code § did not reveal any specific backyard chicken ordinances; residents should contact the city directly to confirm current rules.

Wellsburg (Brooke County)

A review of the publicly available Wellsburg municipal code § did not reveal any specific backyard chicken ordinances; residents should contact the city directly to confirm current rules.

West Liberty (Ohio County)

Total ban on poultry within West Liberty city limits | Section § 505.01 | Source: cityofwestlibertywv.org

Weston (Lewis County)

• Hen Limit: Up to 5 hens
• Roosters: Not allowed
• Permit: Required with $35 fee
• Section: § 4-22
• Source: cityofwestonwv.com

Westover (Monongalia County)

Total ban on poultry within Westover city limits | Section § 4-1(c) | Source: zoneomics.com

Wheeling (Ohio & Marshall County)

• Hen Limit: Up to 6 chickens
• Roosters: Not allowed
• Permit: Required
• Setback: 10 ft from side or rear property lines; 30 ft from any residential dwelling on adjacent property
• Section: § 505.15
• Source: wheelingwv.gov

White Sulphur Springs (Greenbrier County)

• Hen Limit: Not specified
• Roosters: Not allowed
• Permit: Required (Variance required)
• Setback: 50 ft from any property line
• Section: § 4-6
• Source: whitesulphurspringswv.org

Williamson (Mingo County)

A review of the publicly available Williamson municipal code § did not reveal any specific backyard chicken ordinances; residents should contact the city directly to confirm current rules.

Williamstown (Wood County)

A review of the publicly available Williamstown municipal code § did not reveal any specific backyard chicken ordinances; residents should contact the city directly to confirm current rules.

Winfield (Putnam County)

• Hen Limit: Up to 4 hens
• Roosters: Not allowed
• Permit: Required with $5 fee
• Setback: 25 ft from any structure used for human habitation
• Section: § 505.12
• Source: cityofwinfield.net

Rural West Virginia & Unincorporated Areas Laws

Always verify with your County Planning Commission or HOA before building your coop, as deed restrictions often supersede county law.

Berkeley County Unincorporated Areas

• Hen Limit:
  • Lots 30,000+ sq ft: Up to 8 hens.
  • Lots < 30,000 sq ft: 4 hens base, plus 1 hen per additional 1,500 sq ft (up to 8 total).
• Roosters: Not allowed on residential zoned lots.
• Permit: Required; no fee. (Property owner consent required for renters).
• Setback: Must not create noxious odors or loud noise; coops must follow standard accessory structure setbacks for the specific zoning district.
• Restrictions: Poultry must have protective shelter and be well cared for.
• Section: Berkeley County Residential Hen Ordinance (Amended 2015).
• Source: berkeleycounty-wv.gov

Kanawha County Unincorporated Areas

• Hen Limit: No specific countywide numeric limit for unincorporated residential or agricultural parcels.
• Roosters: Allowed; subject to general noise nuisance ordinances.
• Permit: No permit required for non-commercial backyard flocks.
• Setback: No specific numeric setback for poultry; must comply with general nuisance and sanitation standards.
• Restrictions: Livestock must not be permitted to run at large or trespass on others' property.
• Section: WV Code §19-18-3 & Kanawha County General Nuisance Standards.
• Source: kanawha.us

Monongalia County Unincorporated Areas

• Hen Limit: No limit in agricultural or rural residential zones; standard residential lots follow general land-use rules.
• Roosters: Allowed; subject to county noise ordinances.
• Permit: No permit required for backyard flocks.
• Setback: General accessory structure setbacks apply; typically 5–10 ft from property lines depending on the specific district.
• Restrictions: Must prevent "public nuisance" conditions (unreasonable noise or odor).
• Section: Monongalia County Planning & Zoning Code.
• Source: monongaliacounty.gov

Wood County Unincorporated Areas

• Hen Limit: No specific limit for unincorporated areas; state "Right to Farm" protections generally apply to larger parcels.
• Roosters: Allowed.
• Permit: No permit required.
• Setback: No poultry-specific setbacks; coops are treated as accessory buildings.
• Restrictions: Residents in CDPs like Blennerhassett should check specific subdivision covenants (HOAs).
• Section: Wood County Planning Commission General Standards.
• Source: woodcountywv.com

Jefferson County Unincorporated Areas

• Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens/ducks combined on residential lots; no limit on agricultural-zoned land.
• Roosters: Prohibited in residential zones; allowed in agricultural zones.
• Permit: Miscellaneous Permit required for residential lots.
• Setback: Manure/coops must be 100 ft from front property lines and follow side/rear dwelling setbacks.
• Restrictions: Minimum lot size requirements may apply based on specific zoning maps.
• Section: Jefferson County Zoning Resolution (Domestic Animals Table).
• Source: jeffersoncountywv.org

Putnam County Unincorporated Areas

• Hen Limit: No specific numeric limit for unincorporated areas.
• Roosters: Allowed.
• Permit: No permit required for non-commercial use.
• Setback: Coops must follow residential accessory structure setbacks.
• Restrictions: High density in Teays Valley means many neighborhoods are governed by strict HOAs.
• Section: Putnam County Subdivision Regulations for Unincorporated Areas.
• Source: putnamcountywv.gov

What are HOA rules in West Virginia?

Homeowners Associations (HOAs) can legally ban or restrict chickens even if your city allows them. Review your CC&Rs before starting a flock.

How do I protect my backyard chickens from West Virginia predators?

West Virginia's diverse wildlife presents high-pressure threats to backyard birds. Standard "chicken wire" is often insufficient for keeping predators out.

• Hardware Cloth: Use1/2-inch galvanized hardware cloth on all windows and run areas. Raccoons can reach through or tear standard chicken wire.
• Dig Protection: Bury fencing at least 12 inches deep or install a 12-inch "anti-dig apron" around the perimeter to deter foxes, coyotes, and neighborhood dogs.
• Aerial Defense: Cover outdoor runs with solid roofing or heavy-duty netting to protect against hawks and owls.
• Secure Latches: Use complex sliding bolts; raccoons are capable of opening simple hooks and latches.

Can I legally sell my backyard eggs in West Virginia?

Yes. Under WV Code §19-10A (The Egg Law), small producers selling directly to consumers are permitted to operate with minimal red tape, provided they follow safety and labeling standards.

• Small Producer Exemption: Small-scale sales (direct-to-consumer) are typically exempt from distributor fees but still require registration with the West Virginia Department of Agriculture (WVDA).
• Labeling Requirements: Cartons must be labeled with the producer’s name, address, "Keep Refrigerated" statement, pack date, and "Ungraded" (if not officially sized).
• Safe Handling: Eggs must be maintained at a temperature of 45°F or below. Reused cartons must have all original branding and USDA grade marks blacked out.
• Commercial Sales: Selling to restaurants or grocery stores requires a formal Egg Distributor License and stricter grading inspections.

Can I slaughter backyard chickens in West Virginia?

Yes, for personal use. Under WV Code §19-2B-8, you may slaughter poultry you have raised yourself for the exclusive consumption of your household and non-paying guests without state inspection or a permit. If you intend to sell slaughtered poultry, you must comply with the following:

• The 1,000-Bird Exemption: Small-scale producers can slaughter up to 1,000 birds per year on-farm for direct-to-consumer sale without daily inspection, provided the birds are healthy and processed under sanitary conditions.
• The 20,000-Bird Exemption: For sales up to 20,000 birds, you must register with the West Virginia Department of Agriculture (WVDA) and follow specific labeling and basic facility requirements.
• Local Restrictions: While the state allows it, many incorporated cities (like Charleston or Huntington) strictly prohibit "home slaughter" within city limits due to health, sanitation, and noise ordinances.

Pro-Tip: Even if your city allows it, you must dispose of "poultry mortality" (offal and waste) according to WV Administrative Rule §61-1C, which mandates sanitary burial, composting, or incineration to prevent groundwater contamination.

How do I raise backyard chickens successfully?

Ready to build your coop? Follow our Step-by-Step DIY Chicken Coop Guide and construct a sturdy, rain-resistant 4x12 coop built specifically for West Virginia’s harsh winters and summer's humid climate.

Already have chickens? Set your flock up for long-term success in the Mountain State. From selecting cold-hardy breeds that thrive in damp hollows to managing mud, odor, and intense predator pressure from West Virginia's native raccoons, foxes, coyotes, and bobcats, our guides help you maintain a productive flock through every ridge-top winter.

Complete Resource: View Our Ultimate Backyard Chicken Management Guide

What legal disclaimer should I know before keeping chickens?

This is not official legal advice. Information is for general reference only, based on Washington State Department of Agriculture guidance and municipal and county ordinances available at the time of research. Local laws, zoning, and HOA rules change frequently. Always verify directly with your city, county, planning department, animal control, or HOA for your address. See our full Disclaimer & Legal Notice.