Can I keep chickens in Salem, VA?
Yes, with conditions — Salem allows chickens only in certain zones or lot configurations. (Salem Code Ch. 14 (Animals), Art. II (Poultry Generally), Secs. 14-36, 14-37, verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Conditional (zone / lot rules) |
|---|---|
| Permit required | No |
| Coop rules | Chickens, ducks, guineafowl and like fowl must be strictly confined/penned so they cannot leave the owner's premises; keeping must not create noise, discomfort, or insanitary conditions or it becomes an abatable nuisance. |
| Code section | Salem Code Ch. 14 (Animals), Art. II (Poultry Generally), Secs. 14-36, 14-37 |
Salem's poultry article allows keeping chickens and similar fowl provided they are strictly confined to the owner's premises; there is no numeric hen limit, permit, setback, or rooster ban in the animal code. However, fowl that disturb neighbors or create insanitary/odor conditions constitute a nuisance abatable in circuit court. Keeping is therefore conditional on confinement and nuisance-free maintenance.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Salem?
Yes, with conditions — Salem allows chickens only in certain zones or situations (Salem Code Ch. 14 (Animals), Art. II (Poultry Generally), Secs. 14-36, 14-37).
How many chickens can I keep in Salem?
It depends on your lot. No numeric limit in code; fowl must be strictly confined to the owner's premises (Sec. 14-36) and not constitute a nuisance (Sec. 14-37). No permit, setback, or hen cap stated.. Rules vary by zoning district — check the full summary for your zone.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Salem?
No — no permit is required for the base allowance in Salem.
What law covers backyard chickens in Salem?
Salem Code Ch. 14 (Animals), Art. II (Poultry Generally), Secs. 14-36, 14-37. Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Salem Code Ch. 14 (Animals), Art. II (Poultry Generally), Secs. 14-36, 14-37 — read the official code
“All persons owning or having in their possession ... chickens, ducks, guinea-fowl and any other like fowl shall strictly confine, keep up and pen the same so that they cannot get off the premises owned or controlled by any such person.” source
“The keeping by any person of any chickens, turkeys, ducks or other poultry or fowl which either disturbs any citizen ... or creates or brings about an insanitary situation ... shall constitute a nuisance abatable as such by a proper suit in equity in the circuit court for the city.” 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 →