Can I keep chickens in South Charleston, WV?
No — South Charleston does not allow backyard chickens in residential zones. (Codified Ordinances Sec. 505.06 (Keeping Animals; Prohibitions and Exceptions) (Ord. 2343, passed 8-17-23), verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | No |
|---|---|
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Coop rules | Keeping or harboring chickens, ducks, geese, turkeys, or pigeons (and other livestock) is prohibited citywide; exceptions are limited to caged song birds, common household pets, service animals, and certain commercial/entertainment uses. |
| Code section | Codified Ordinances Sec. 505.06 (Keeping Animals; Prohibitions and Exceptions) (Ord. 2343, passed 8-17-23) |
South Charleston prohibits keeping or harboring chickens, ducks, geese, turkeys, pigeons, and other livestock anywhere in the city. The only exceptions are caged song birds, listed household pets, ADA service animals, and certain commercial uses. Backyard chickens are not allowed.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in South Charleston?
No — chickens are not allowed in South Charleston (Codified Ordinances Sec. 505.06 (Keeping Animals; Prohibitions and Exceptions) (Ord. 2343, passed 8-17-23)).
Are roosters allowed in South Charleston?
No — roosters are prohibited in South Charleston.
What law covers backyard chickens in South Charleston?
Codified Ordinances Sec. 505.06 (Keeping Animals; Prohibitions and Exceptions) (Ord. 2343, passed 8-17-23). Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Codified Ordinances Sec. 505.06 (Keeping Animals; Prohibitions and Exceptions) (Ord. 2343, passed 8-17-23) — read the official code
“No person may keep or harbor any cow, calf, horse, colt, mule, pony, goat, sheep, hog, swine, bee, chicken, duck, goose, turkey, pigeon, or any other wild or domestic animal within the City.” source
Last verified June 14, 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 →