Can I keep chickens in Portsmouth, VA?
Yes, with conditions — Portsmouth 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. (Portsmouth Zoning Ordinance Ch. 40.2, Art. III, 'Chickens, Backyard', verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Conditional (zone / lot rules) |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | 6 |
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Permit required | Yes |
| Coop setback | 15 ft |
| Minimum lot size | 5,000 sq ft |
| Coop rules | Housing and fencing located solely in the rear yard, at least 15 feet from any side or rear lot line. Chickens may not roam off the property. Feed stored in a secure container; manure handled per best management practices. Sale of eggs prohibited. |
| Code section | Portsmouth Zoning Ordinance Ch. 40.2, Art. III, 'Chickens, Backyard' |
Portsmouth permits backyard chickens only as an accessory use to a detached single-family residence on a lot of at least 5,000 sq ft, and requires a Zoning Permit. The number is capped at 6 chickens and limited to no more than one chicken per 2,000 sq ft of lot area; roosters are prohibited and egg sales are not allowed. Housing must be in the rear yard at least 15 feet from side or rear lot lines.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Portsmouth?
Yes, with conditions — Portsmouth allows chickens only in certain zones or situations (Portsmouth Zoning Ordinance Ch. 40.2, Art. III, 'Chickens, Backyard').
How many chickens can I keep in Portsmouth?
Up to 6 hens. 1 hen per 2,000 sq ft of lot area, max 6. Rules vary by zoning district — check the full summary for your zone.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Portsmouth?
Yes — Portsmouth requires a permit or registration before keeping chickens.
Are roosters allowed in Portsmouth?
No — roosters are prohibited in Portsmouth.
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in Portsmouth?
15 feet minimum. Housing and fencing located solely in the rear yard, at least 15 feet from any side or rear lot line. Chickens may not roam off the property. Feed stored in a secure container; manure handled per best management practices. Sale of eggs prohibited.
Is there a minimum lot size for chickens in Portsmouth?
Yes — 5,000 sq ft.
What law covers backyard chickens in Portsmouth?
Portsmouth Zoning Ordinance Ch. 40.2, Art. III, 'Chickens, Backyard'. Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Portsmouth Zoning Ordinance Ch. 40.2, Art. III, 'Chickens, Backyard' — read the official code
“No more than one chicken for every 2,000 square feet of lot area is permitted. No more than six chickens are permitted on any lot or zone lot.” source
“The minimum lot size shall be 5,000 square feet.” source
“No roosters are allowed.” source
“Housing and fencing of chickens must be located at least 15 feet from any side or rear lot line.” 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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