Can I keep chickens in Alexandria, VA?
Yes, with conditions — Alexandria allows chickens only in certain zones or lot configurations. Coops must be at least 200 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (Alexandria City Code Title 5, Ch. 7, Sec. 5-7-2, verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Conditional (zone / lot rules) |
|---|---|
| Permit required | No |
| Coop setback | 200 ft |
| Code section | Alexandria City Code Title 5, Ch. 7, Sec. 5-7-2 |
Alexandria's code (Sec. 5-7-2) makes it unlawful to keep any fowl, including chickens, hens, and roosters, within 200 feet of any residence or dwelling not occupied by the keeper. Because most residential lots cannot meet that 200-foot separation from neighboring homes, keeping chickens is effectively prohibited on typical lots and only possible on large, isolated lots. There is no permit pathway in the animal code.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Alexandria?
Yes, with conditions — Alexandria allows chickens only in certain zones or situations (Alexandria City Code Title 5, Ch. 7, Sec. 5-7-2).
How many chickens can I keep in Alexandria?
It depends on your lot. No hen count in code. Unlawful to keep fowl within 200 ft of any residence not occupied by the keeper; feasible only on large/isolated lots. No permit pathway.. Rules vary by zoning district — check the full summary for your zone.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Alexandria?
No — no permit is required for the base allowance in Alexandria.
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in Alexandria?
200 feet minimum.
What law covers backyard chickens in Alexandria?
Alexandria City Code Title 5, Ch. 7, Sec. 5-7-2. Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Alexandria City Code Title 5, Ch. 7, Sec. 5-7-2 — read the official code
“It shall be unlawful for any person to keep or allow to be kept within the city, within 200 feet of any residence or dwelling not occupied by such person, any fowl. The word 'fowl,' as used in this section, shall include, but is not limited to, chickens, hens, roosters, ducks, geese, pigeons or any domesticated barnyard bird.” source
Last verified June 13, 2026. Always confirm with your municipality — HOA rules can be stricter than city code. How we verify →
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