Can I keep chickens in Hampton, VA?
Yes, with conditions — Hampton allows chickens only in certain zones or lot configurations (up to 6 hens where permitted). Roosters are prohibited, and coops must be at least 25 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (Hampton City Code Sec. 5-24.1 (and Sec. 5-24), verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Conditional (zone / lot rules) |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | 6 |
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Permit required | Yes ($25) |
| Coop setback | 25 ft |
| Home slaughter | Not allowed |
| Coop rules | Covered, predator-proof, ventilated shelter; not in front or side yards; shelters/pens/coops kept at least 25 ft from any neighboring residence or business and outside required building setbacks; kept sanitary; feed in secure containers. |
| Code section | Hampton City Code Sec. 5-24.1 (and Sec. 5-24) |
Hampton allows up to six hens (no roosters) on lots with a single-family residence as the primary use; chickens are prohibited on townhouse, duplex, condo, apartment, and manufactured-housing-park properties. A $25 permit from the City Treasurer is required, with Animal Control inspection. Shelters must be predator-proof, at least 25 feet from any neighboring residence or business, and no on-site slaughter or commercial activity is allowed.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Hampton?
Yes, with conditions — Hampton allows chickens only in certain zones or situations (Hampton City Code Sec. 5-24.1 (and Sec. 5-24)).
How many chickens can I keep in Hampton?
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 Hampton?
Yes — Hampton requires a permit or registration before keeping chickens (fee: $25).
Are roosters allowed in Hampton?
No — roosters are prohibited in Hampton.
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in Hampton?
25 feet minimum. Covered, predator-proof, ventilated shelter; not in front or side yards; shelters/pens/coops kept at least 25 ft from any neighboring residence or business and outside required building setbacks; kept sanitary; feed in secure containers.
Can I slaughter chickens at home in Hampton?
No — slaughter is not permitted under Hampton's code.
What law covers backyard chickens in Hampton?
Hampton City Code Sec. 5-24.1 (and Sec. 5-24). Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Hampton City Code Sec. 5-24.1 (and Sec. 5-24) — read the official code
“Up to six (6) chickens may be kept on lots with a single family residence as the primary use. No chickens shall be allowed on townhouse, duplex, condominium, apartment or manufactured housing park properties.” source
“Only hens, no roosters shall be kept.” source
“Shelters, pens, coops, or cages shall not be located within the required building setbacks and shall be a minimum of twenty-five (25) feet away from any neighboring residence or place of business.” source
“No slaughter of chickens for consumption or otherwise shall occur on the property.” 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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