Backyard chickens in Richmond, Virginia
Everything you need to know before you start a backyard flock in Richmond – the rules, the climate and the neighbors with teeth.
Can you keep chickens in Richmond?
Thinking about raising backyard hens in Richmond, Virginia? The city welcomes small flocks in every residential district, but keeping chickens legally means securing a permit, keeping the flock to hens only, and following specific coop placement and setback rules. Here's everything Peggy's Happy Chickens found in Richmond's actual municipal code and Animal Care & Control guidance.
Yes – with conditions
Yes. The City of Richmond permits the keeping of hens as an accessory use in all residential zoning districts. Richmond Animal Care & Control (RACC) states that the city permits the keeping of up to six (6) hens in all residential districts of the city, but a permit is required and roosters are banned (City Code §§ 4-124, 4-126).
The rules at a glance
- Hens in city limits
- Allowed
- How many hens
- 6
- Roosters
- No
- Permit required
- Yes
- Permit cost
- $60
- Setback from property line
- 15 ft.
Peggy knows Richmond
The rules, straight from the municipal code.
- Owners must obtain a Chicken Permit from RACC before keeping hens; the permit costs $60, is non-refundable, and must be renewed annually for another $60 (City Code § 4-124).
- Applicants must either own the property or have written approval of the property owner, and RACC conducts a background/cruelty check plus a site inspection before issuing the permit.
- A maximum of 6 female chickens is allowed per property; roosters and English Gamecocks are strictly prohibited.
- The coop/pen must be located in the rear yard only (not front or side street yards) and must meet Zoning Division yard/setback requirements.
- Chickens and their pen/coop may not be located within 15 feet of any adjacent dwelling.
- Each hen must be given at least 3 square feet of space within a coop that has four walls and a roof.
- The coop/pen must be fully fenced and covered, with fencing slats no more than 2 inches apart, and chickens must remain inside the enclosure at all times — free-ranging is not allowed.
- Feed must be stored in secure, rodent-proof containers.
- Owners remain subject to the City's animal cruelty provisions (City Code § 4-96), and neglect/harm of chickens can result in seizure and prosecution.
Keeping a flock happy in Richmond
🌡️ Climate
USDA Hardiness Zone 7a/7b (Humid Subtropical)
Richmond has hot, humid summers and mild-to-cold winters typical of the Mid-Atlantic humid subtropical climate. Coops should prioritize ventilation and shade for summer heat/humidity while still offering a wind-blocked, insulated roosting area for occasional winter cold snaps and ice.
🦝 Who's after your hens
Richmond's mix of urban and wooded/riverfront habitat (including the James River corridor) supports healthy populations of raccoons, red-tailed hawks, foxes, opossums, and black snakes, all of which will target hens, chicks, or eggs if a coop isn't secured. Since Richmond's ordinance already mandates a fully covered, fenced coop with tight fencing (slats no more than 2 inches apart), following that requirement also does double duty as solid predator-proofing.
🐔 Breeds that do well here
Rhode Island Red, Buff Orpington, Australorp, Plymouth Rock, Wyandotte
Our package comes with two Rhode Island Reds – hardy in heat and cold, and friendly with kids.
Questions people ask about Richmond
▸How many chickens can I keep in Richmond, VA?
Up to six (6) female chickens (hens) per property are allowed in any residential zoning district, per RACC guidance under City Code §§ 4-124 and 4-126.
▸Are roosters allowed in Richmond?
No. Roosters and English Gamecocks are prohibited throughout the City of Richmond.
▸Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Richmond?
Yes. A Chicken Permit from Richmond Animal Care & Control is required, costs $60 (non-refundable) and must be renewed annually. The process includes a background/cruelty check, a site plan submission, and an on-site inspection of the coop and pen.
▸How far from my neighbor's house does my coop need to be?
Chickens and their pen/coop may not be located within 15 feet of any adjacent dwelling, and the enclosure must be placed in the rear yard, meeting all Zoning Division yard requirements.
▸Can my chickens free-range in my yard?
No. Chickens must be kept in the fenced pen/coop enclosure at all times and are not allowed to free-range outside of it.
City rules change, and this page is a summary rather than legal advice. Please confirm with Richmond or your HOA before you order – and call us on (559) 321-7271 if you'd like a hand. Last checked September 3, 2026.
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