Yes, keeping backyard chickens is legal in Virginia, but local ordinances and state health codes impose critical restrictions. The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) permits small flocks under 100 birds, while counties and cities may enact stricter limits. Recent 2026 amendments to the Virginia Poultry Disease Control Program tighten biosecurity requirements, mandating coop inspections in high-risk zones.
Key Regulations for Keeping Backyard Chickens in Virginia
- Flock Size Limits: Most jurisdictions cap backyard flocks at 10–50 hens; roosters are often prohibited due to noise ordinances. Fairfax County, for example, restricts flocks to 6 hens per 2,500 sq ft of lot area.
- Coop and Run Specifications: Structures must be at least 20 feet from neighboring residences and comply with the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (USBC). Henrico County enforces a minimum 4-foot fence height to deter predators.
- Biosecurity and Health Compliance: VDACS requires registration for flocks exceeding 100 birds, but even smaller flocks must adhere to the 2026 Poultry Health Plan, including mandatory Salmonella testing for egg-laying hens sold commercially.
Local health departments, such as the Alexandria Health Department, conduct periodic inspections to verify compliance with zoning and sanitation codes. Violations may result in fines or forced removal of birds. Prospective owners should consult their county’s zoning ordinance and the VDACS Poultry Health Program for jurisdiction-specific updates.