Can I keep chickens in Vienna, WV?
Yes, with conditions — Vienna allows chickens only in certain zones or lot configurations (up to 4 hens where permitted). Roosters are prohibited, and coops must be at least 20 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (Codified Ordinances Sec. 505.06A 'Hens on residential property' (Ord. 05-2023, passed 3-9-23), verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Conditional (zone / lot rules) |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | 4 |
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Permit required | Yes ($5) |
| Coop setback | 20 ft |
| Coop rules | Up to 4 hens on single-family R1/R2/R3 lots only; henhouse situated at least 20 ft from a neighbor's inhabited structure and 10 ft from the owner's; henhouse no taller than 8 ft and no larger than 150 sq ft; no front yards; personal use only. Roosters strictly prohibited. |
| Code section | Codified Ordinances Sec. 505.06A 'Hens on residential property' (Ord. 05-2023, passed 3-9-23) |
Vienna generally bans fowl but a 2023 ordinance (Sec. 505.06A) allows up to four hens on single-family R1, R2, and R3 lots. Roosters are strictly prohibited. Keepers need an annual $5 permit with a henhouse inspection, with a 20-ft setback from a neighbor's inhabited structure, 10 ft from the owner's, and an 8-ft / 150-sq-ft henhouse limit.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Vienna?
Yes, with conditions — Vienna allows chickens only in certain zones or situations (Codified Ordinances Sec. 505.06A 'Hens on residential property' (Ord. 05-2023, passed 3-9-23)).
How many chickens can I keep in Vienna?
Up to 4 hens. Rules vary by zoning district — check the full summary for your zone.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Vienna?
Yes — Vienna requires a permit or registration before keeping chickens (fee: $5).
Are roosters allowed in Vienna?
No — roosters are prohibited in Vienna.
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in Vienna?
20 feet minimum. Up to 4 hens on single-family R1/R2/R3 lots only; henhouse situated at least 20 ft from a neighbor's inhabited structure and 10 ft from the owner's; henhouse no taller than 8 ft and no larger than 150 sq ft; no front yards; personal use only. Roosters strictly prohibited.
What law covers backyard chickens in Vienna?
Codified Ordinances Sec. 505.06A 'Hens on residential property' (Ord. 05-2023, passed 3-9-23). Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Codified Ordinances Sec. 505.06A 'Hens on residential property' (Ord. 05-2023, passed 3-9-23) — read the official code
“A maximum of four (4) hens may be kept on a lot” source
“An annual five ($5) dollar permit is required before placing any henhouse on any property” source
“Keeping roosters is strictly prohibited” source
“Henhouses or pens shall be situated at least twenty (20) feet from a neighbors inhabited structure and ten (10) feet from any inhabited structure on the owners property” 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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