Can I keep chickens in Fairmont, WV?
Yes, with conditions — Fairmont allows chickens only in certain zones or lot configurations. Coops must be at least 150 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (City Code Part Five, Art. 505, Sec. 505.15 (Keeping of livestock), verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Conditional (zone / lot rules) |
|---|---|
| Coop setback | 150 ft |
| Coop rules | Poultry is classed as 'livestock'; keeping livestock is a declared nuisance and is prohibited within 50 yards (150 ft) of any dwelling, church, school, hospital, occupied building or public street. The Board of Adjustment may at its discretion allow livestock in a clean enclosure. |
| Code section | City Code Part Five, Art. 505, Sec. 505.15 (Keeping of livestock) |
Fairmont defines poultry as 'livestock' and declares keeping livestock a public nuisance, prohibiting it within 50 yards (150 ft) of any dwelling, occupied building or public street (Sec. 505.15). Because typical residential lots fall within 150 ft of dwellings, chickens are effectively barred in most residential settings unless the Board of Adjustment grants discretionary approval.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Fairmont?
Yes, with conditions — Fairmont allows chickens only in certain zones or situations (City Code Part Five, Art. 505, Sec. 505.15 (Keeping of livestock)).
How many chickens can I keep in Fairmont?
It depends on your lot. Poultry treated as livestock; prohibited within 150 ft (50 yards) of any dwelling/occupied building/public street. Allowed only at Board of Adjustment discretion. No numeric cap codified.. Rules vary by zoning district — check the full summary for your zone.
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in Fairmont?
150 feet minimum. Poultry is classed as 'livestock'; keeping livestock is a declared nuisance and is prohibited within 50 yards (150 ft) of any dwelling, church, school, hospital, occupied building or public street. The Board of Adjustment may at its discretion allow livestock in a clean enclosure.
What law covers backyard chickens in Fairmont?
City Code Part Five, Art. 505, Sec. 505.15 (Keeping of livestock). Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
City Code Part Five, Art. 505, Sec. 505.15 (Keeping of livestock) — read the official code
“"Livestock" means cattle, goats, mules, hogs, sheep, horses and poultry.” source
“No person shall keep livestock within fifty yards of any dwelling, church, school, hospital or any other building which, from time to time, is used for human occupancy, or any public street.” source
Last verified June 14, 2026. Always confirm with your municipality — HOA rules can be stricter than city code. How we verify →
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