Can I keep chickens in Morgantown, WV?
Yes, with conditions — Morgantown allows chickens only in certain zones or lot configurations (up to 2 hens where permitted). Coops must be at least 80 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (Code of Ordinances Part Five, Art. 505, Sec. 505.02(c) (Keeping animals; Chickens), verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Conditional (zone / lot rules) |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | 2 |
| Permit required | No |
| Coop setback | 80 ft |
| Home slaughter | Allowed with restrictions |
| Coop rules | More than two fowl may not be kept in any pen, coop or structure within 80 feet of another's dwelling without that person's written consent; pens must not become offensive or deleterious to health. |
| Code section | Code of Ordinances Part Five, Art. 505, Sec. 505.02(c) (Keeping animals; Chickens) |
Morgantown permits up to two chickens or other domestic fowl by right; keeping more than two within 80 feet of a neighbor's dwelling requires that neighbor's written consent. No permit or fee is required. Short-term keeping for sale or slaughter (up to 10 days) is allowed. Roosters are not separately addressed.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Morgantown?
Yes, with conditions — Morgantown allows chickens only in certain zones or situations (Code of Ordinances Part Five, Art. 505, Sec. 505.02(c) (Keeping animals; Chickens)).
How many chickens can I keep in Morgantown?
Up to 2 hens. Up to 2 fowl by right; 3 or more allowed only within 80 ft of a neighbor's dwelling with that neighbor's written consent. No outer numeric cap stated.. Rules vary by zoning district — check the full summary for your zone.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Morgantown?
No — no permit is required for the base allowance in Morgantown.
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in Morgantown?
80 feet minimum. More than two fowl may not be kept in any pen, coop or structure within 80 feet of another's dwelling without that person's written consent; pens must not become offensive or deleterious to health.
Can I slaughter chickens at home in Morgantown?
Yes, with restrictions — see the city's rules in Code of Ordinances Part Five, Art. 505, Sec. 505.02(c) (Keeping animals; Chickens).
What law covers backyard chickens in Morgantown?
Code of Ordinances Part Five, Art. 505, Sec. 505.02(c) (Keeping animals; Chickens). Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Code of Ordinances Part Five, Art. 505, Sec. 505.02(c) (Keeping animals; Chickens) — read the official code
“No person shall confine, keep or house chickens or other domestic fowl, exceeding two in number, in any pen, coop or structure located within 80 feet of the residence or dwelling of any other person without the consent in writing of such other person” source
“this section shall not be construed to prohibit the proprietor of any market, hotel, restaurant, boarding house or residence from keeping or confining for sale or slaughter chickens or other fowls in a pen or coop within such prescribed limit for a period not exceeding ten days” 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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