Can I keep chickens in Blacksburg, VA?
Yes, with conditions — Blacksburg allows chickens only in certain zones or lot configurations (up to 6 hens where permitted). Roosters are prohibited, and coops must be at least 15 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (Blacksburg Town Code Ch. 5 (Animals and Fowl), Sec. 5-118 (Urban chickens), verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Conditional (zone / lot rules) |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | 6 |
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Permit required | Yes ($30) |
| Coop setback | 15 ft |
| Coop rules | Up to 6 hens, no roosters; single-family detached dwellings in R-4, RR-1, RR-2 only. Pen up to 128 sq ft (coop 4 sq ft/hen + run 8 sq ft/hen), in rear yard, at least 15 ft from all property lines, 50 ft from dwellings on adjacent properties, 20 ft from streams/drainage. $30 application; annual registration. |
| Code section | Blacksburg Town Code Ch. 5 (Animals and Fowl), Sec. 5-118 (Urban chickens) |
Blacksburg (a town in Montgomery County) allows up to six hens (no roosters) on single-family detached residential lots in the R-4, RR-1, and RR-2 zoning districts under a registered urban-chickens program with a $30 application fee and annual renewal. The pen may not exceed 128 sq ft, must sit in the rear yard at least 15 feet from all property lines and 50 feet from neighboring dwellings. Townhouses, duplexes, apartments, and manufactured-housing parks are excluded.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Blacksburg?
Yes, with conditions — Blacksburg allows chickens only in certain zones or situations (Blacksburg Town Code Ch. 5 (Animals and Fowl), Sec. 5-118 (Urban chickens)).
How many chickens can I keep in Blacksburg?
Up to 6 hens. Rules vary by zoning district — check the full summary for your zone.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Blacksburg?
Yes — Blacksburg requires a permit or registration before keeping chickens (fee: $30).
Are roosters allowed in Blacksburg?
No — roosters are prohibited in Blacksburg.
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in Blacksburg?
15 feet minimum. Up to 6 hens, no roosters; single-family detached dwellings in R-4, RR-1, RR-2 only. Pen up to 128 sq ft (coop 4 sq ft/hen + run 8 sq ft/hen), in rear yard, at least 15 ft from all property lines, 50 ft from dwellings on adjacent properties, 20 ft from streams/drainage. $30 application; annual registration.
What law covers backyard chickens in Blacksburg?
Blacksburg Town Code Ch. 5 (Animals and Fowl), Sec. 5-118 (Urban chickens). Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Blacksburg Town Code Ch. 5 (Animals and Fowl), Sec. 5-118 (Urban chickens) — read the official code
“No more than six (6) hens shall be allowed for each single-family dwelling.” source
“A thirty dollar ($30.00) application fee. ... the department of planning and building development shall issue a registration, which shall be valid for one (1) year.” source
“No roosters shall be permitted at any time.” source
“Pens must be located in the rear yard and shall be situated at least fifteen (15) feet from all property lines and fifty (50) feet from dwellings on adjacent properties. In addition, all pens shall be located at least twenty (20) feet from streams.” source
Last verified June 13, 2026. Always confirm with your municipality — HOA rules can be stricter than city code. How we verify →
Reach people actively researching backyard chickens in their city. Founding sponsor slots now open.
Apply to become a sponsor →