Can I keep chickens in Harrisonburg, VA?
Yes, with conditions — Harrisonburg allows chickens only in certain zones or lot configurations (up to 6 hens where permitted). Roosters are prohibited, and coops must be at least 5 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (Harrisonburg City Code Sec. 15-2-24, verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Conditional (zone / lot rules) |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | 6 |
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Permit required | Yes ($25) |
| Coop setback | 5 ft |
| Home slaughter | Not allowed |
| Coop rules | Hens in an enclosed, covered, secure pen with at least 4 sq ft per bird. Pens in the rear yard, at least 5 feet from all property lines and at least 20 feet from streams/storm drainage. Permit must be displayed on the pen. |
| Code section | Harrisonburg City Code Sec. 15-2-24 |
Harrisonburg allows up to 6 hens per single-family dwelling on single-family detached homes or manufactured homes (not townhouses, duplexes, apartments, or manufactured-housing parks), and not within 500 feet of a poultry processing operation. A permit is required ($25 application fee, renewed annually for $25) along with Virginia Livestock Premises Registration and an inspection. Roosters and outside slaughtering are prohibited.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Harrisonburg?
Yes, with conditions — Harrisonburg allows chickens only in certain zones or situations (Harrisonburg City Code Sec. 15-2-24).
How many chickens can I keep in Harrisonburg?
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 Harrisonburg?
Yes — Harrisonburg requires a permit or registration before keeping chickens (fee: $25).
Are roosters allowed in Harrisonburg?
No — roosters are prohibited in Harrisonburg.
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in Harrisonburg?
5 feet minimum. Hens in an enclosed, covered, secure pen with at least 4 sq ft per bird. Pens in the rear yard, at least 5 feet from all property lines and at least 20 feet from streams/storm drainage. Permit must be displayed on the pen.
Can I slaughter chickens at home in Harrisonburg?
No — slaughter is not permitted under Harrisonburg's code.
What law covers backyard chickens in Harrisonburg?
Harrisonburg City Code Sec. 15-2-24. Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Harrisonburg City Code Sec. 15-2-24 — read the official code
“No more than six (6) chicken hens shall be allowed for each single-family dwelling.” source
“A twenty-five dollar ($25.00) application fee. ... Each existing permit must be renewed annually ... along with the payment of the twenty-five dollar ($25.00) annual fee.” source
“No roosters shall be allowed.” source
“There shall be no outside slaughtering of birds.” 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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