Can I keep chickens in Martinsburg, WV?
Yes, with conditions — Martinsburg allows chickens only in certain zones or lot configurations. (Codified Ordinances Part Five, Art. 505, Sec. 505.07 (Animals restricted by zoning), verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Conditional (zone / lot rules) |
|---|---|
| Coop rules | Keeping or harboring poultry is prohibited anywhere in the city except within areas zoned Rural Agricultural. |
| Code section | Codified Ordinances Part Five, Art. 505, Sec. 505.07 (Animals restricted by zoning) |
Martinsburg prohibits keeping poultry anywhere in the city except in areas zoned Rural Agricultural (Sec. 505.07). In ordinary residential zones chickens are not permitted. The allowance is zone-dependent with no hen count, permit, fee, or setback specified for the limited exception.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Martinsburg?
Yes, with conditions — Martinsburg allows chickens only in certain zones or situations (Codified Ordinances Part Five, Art. 505, Sec. 505.07 (Animals restricted by zoning)).
How many chickens can I keep in Martinsburg?
It depends on your lot. Poultry prohibited except in Rural Agricultural zones; not allowed in ordinary residential zones. No numeric cap codified.. Rules vary by zoning district — check the full summary for your zone.
What law covers backyard chickens in Martinsburg?
Codified Ordinances Part Five, Art. 505, Sec. 505.07 (Animals restricted by zoning). Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Codified Ordinances Part Five, Art. 505, Sec. 505.07 (Animals restricted by zoning) — read the official code
“No person shall keep, raise, stable or otherwise harbor any poultry, pigeons, hogs, swine, cows, bulls, cattle, goats, sheep, mules, ponies or horses at any place within the City, except within those areas within the City zoned Rural Agricultural.” 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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