Can I keep chickens in Suffolk, VA?
Yes, with conditions — Suffolk allows chickens only in certain zones or lot configurations. Coops must be at least 20 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (Suffolk Unified Development Ordinance Sec. 31-702(b) (Agricultural Animals), verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Conditional (zone / lot rules) |
|---|---|
| Coop setback | 20 ft |
| Coop rules | Livestock (including poultry) must be fenced so they are no closer than 20 feet from a dwelling unit on an adjoining property. |
| Code section | Suffolk Unified Development Ordinance Sec. 31-702(b) (Agricultural Animals) |
Suffolk treats chickens as agricultural animals, permitted only in the A (Agricultural), RR (Rural Residential), and RE (Rural Estate) zoning districts and prohibited in all other districts. Keeping chickens therefore depends entirely on the property's zoning; in standard residential districts they are not allowed. Where permitted, enclosures must keep animals at least 20 feet from a neighboring dwelling.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Suffolk?
Yes, with conditions — Suffolk allows chickens only in certain zones or situations (Suffolk Unified Development Ordinance Sec. 31-702(b) (Agricultural Animals)).
How many chickens can I keep in Suffolk?
It depends on your lot. Chickens are 'agricultural animals,' permitted only in A, RR, and RE districts and prohibited in all other zoning districts; no per-lot hen count specified.. Rules vary by zoning district — check the full summary for your zone.
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in Suffolk?
20 feet minimum. Livestock (including poultry) must be fenced so they are no closer than 20 feet from a dwelling unit on an adjoining property.
What law covers backyard chickens in Suffolk?
Suffolk Unified Development Ordinance Sec. 31-702(b) (Agricultural Animals). Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Suffolk Unified Development Ordinance Sec. 31-702(b) (Agricultural Animals) — read the official code
“Agricultural animals and livestock shall be permitted in the A (Agricultural), RR (Rural Residential) and RE (Rural Estate) zoning districts and shall be prohibited in all other zoning districts.” source
“All livestock shall be fenced so that they are no closer than 20 feet from a dwelling unit on an adjoining property except as specified in Section 31-702(f).” 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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