Can I keep chickens in Wheeling, WV?
Yes, with conditions — Wheeling allows chickens only in certain zones or lot configurations. (Codified Ordinances Part Five, Art. 505, Sec. 505.02 (Animals, reptiles and fowl prohibited without permit), verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Conditional (zone / lot rules) |
|---|---|
| Permit required | Yes |
| Coop rules | No person may keep any fowl within the city except upon securing a permit from the City Manager, who prescribes and may inspect the conditions of keeping. Exemption applies to dogs, cats, birds and rodents only. |
| Code section | Codified Ordinances Part Five, Art. 505, Sec. 505.02 (Animals, reptiles and fowl prohibited without permit) |
Wheeling prohibits keeping any fowl without a permit from the City Manager, who sets and may inspect the conditions (Sec. 505.02). The code has no hen cap, fee, or setback for fowl, and the zoning code (Sec. 1335.12) imposes no fowl limit. The practical allowance depends on discretionary City Manager approval.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Wheeling?
Yes, with conditions — Wheeling allows chickens only in certain zones or situations (Codified Ordinances Part Five, Art. 505, Sec. 505.02 (Animals, reptiles and fowl prohibited without permit)).
How many chickens can I keep in Wheeling?
It depends on your lot. Fowl allowed only by discretionary City Manager permit; no numeric cap, fee, or setback codified in Art. 505 or the zoning code.. Rules vary by zoning district — check the full summary for your zone.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Wheeling?
Yes — Wheeling requires a permit or registration before keeping chickens.
What law covers backyard chickens in Wheeling?
Codified Ordinances Part Five, Art. 505, Sec. 505.02 (Animals, reptiles and fowl prohibited without permit). Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Codified Ordinances Part Five, Art. 505, Sec. 505.02 (Animals, reptiles and fowl prohibited without permit) — read the official code
“This section shall not apply to domesticated dogs, cats, birds or rodents.” source
“No person shall keep or harbor any animal, reptile or fowl within the City except upon securing a permit from the City Manager, who shall prescribe and may inspect the conditions under which such animals, reptiles or fowl may be kept 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 →
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