Can I keep chickens in Danville, VA?
Yes, with conditions — Danville allows chickens only in certain zones or lot configurations (up to 9 hens where permitted). Coops must be at least 125 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (Danville City Code Ch. 5 (Animals and Fowl), Sec. 5-32, verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Conditional (zone / lot rules) |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | 9 |
| Coop setback | 125 ft |
| Coop rules | Lots, enclosures, sheds or structures housing 9 or fewer live fowl must be kept clean, sanitary, and free from refuse; no decaying food/refuse within 125 ft of a residence; refuse kept in airtight containers. |
| Code section | Danville City Code Ch. 5 (Animals and Fowl), Sec. 5-32 |
Danville regulates poultry through a nuisance/distance standard rather than a modern hen-permit ordinance. It is unlawful to maintain a 'poultry or animal yard' (housing 10 or more live fowl) within 125 feet of a residence other than the keeper's own, or of a church or school. Keeping 9 or fewer fowl is allowed subject to sanitation requirements; the chapter sets no hen cap below 10, no rooster ban, and no permit, though local zoning may impose additional limits.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Danville?
Yes, with conditions — Danville allows chickens only in certain zones or situations (Danville City Code Ch. 5 (Animals and Fowl), Sec. 5-32).
How many chickens can I keep in Danville?
Up to 9 hens. Up to 9 live fowl allowed subject to sanitation rules; 10 or more constitutes a 'poultry or animal yard' that is unlawful within 125 ft of any residence (not keeper's own) or church/school. Zoning may further restrict.. Rules vary by zoning district — check the full summary for your zone.
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in Danville?
125 feet minimum. Lots, enclosures, sheds or structures housing 9 or fewer live fowl must be kept clean, sanitary, and free from refuse; no decaying food/refuse within 125 ft of a residence; refuse kept in airtight containers.
What law covers backyard chickens in Danville?
Danville City Code Ch. 5 (Animals and Fowl), Sec. 5-32. Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Danville City Code Ch. 5 (Animals and Fowl), Sec. 5-32 — read the official code
“the term "poultry or animal yard" shall include every lot, parcel, enclosure, shed, or structure used to house ten (10) or more live fowl, including in the term "fowl"; chickens, ducks, geese, and other poultry.” source
“it shall be unlawful to maintain in the City any poultry or animal yard within one hundred twenty-five (125) feet of any building used for residence purposes by anyone other than the one maintaining such poultry or animal barn or yard or his immediate family or within one hundred twenty-five (125) feet of any church or school building.” 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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