Can I keep chickens in Richmond, VA?
Yes — Richmond allows backyard chickens, up to 6 hens with a required permit/registration. Roosters are prohibited, and coops must be at least 15 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (Richmond City Code Sec. 4-124 (Ch. 4 Animals), verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Yes |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | 6 |
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Permit required | Yes ($60) |
| Coop setback | 15 ft |
| Coop rules | Provide 3 sq ft per chicken; pen/coop in the rear yard (not front or street-side); four walls and a roof, fully covered/fenced with slats no more than 2 inches apart; birds kept within the fenced coop area at all times; feed in rodent-proof containers. |
| Code section | Richmond City Code Sec. 4-124 (Ch. 4 Animals) |
Richmond permits up to six female chickens (roosters and English Gamecocks prohibited) in all residential districts under an annual permit governed by City Code Section 4-124. The non-refundable permit fee is $60, valid one year, requiring a background check, site plan, and inspection. Coops must sit in the rear yard at least 15 feet from any adjacent dwelling and provide 3 square feet per bird.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Richmond?
Yes — chickens are allowed in Richmond (Richmond City Code Sec. 4-124 (Ch. 4 Animals)).
How many chickens can I keep in Richmond?
Up to 6 hens.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Richmond?
Yes — Richmond requires a permit or registration before keeping chickens (fee: $60).
Are roosters allowed in Richmond?
No — roosters are prohibited in Richmond.
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in Richmond?
15 feet minimum. Provide 3 sq ft per chicken; pen/coop in the rear yard (not front or street-side); four walls and a roof, fully covered/fenced with slats no more than 2 inches apart; birds kept within the fenced coop area at all times; feed in rodent-proof containers.
What law covers backyard chickens in Richmond?
Richmond City Code Sec. 4-124 (Ch. 4 Animals). Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Richmond City Code Sec. 4-124 (Ch. 4 Animals) — read the official code
“A maximum of 6 female chickens will be allowed per property.” source
“A permit is required to keep chickens. The non-refundable application fee is $60.00. The permit is valid for one (1) year.” source
“Roosters and English Gamecocks are prohibited in the City of Richmond.” source
“Chickens and the pen or fenced areas or coop(s) may not be located within 15 feet of any adjacent dwelling(s).” 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 →