Quick Summary
Limit: 6 hens · Roosters: Prohibited · Permit: $30 one-time · Setback: 25 ft from adjacent dwelling · Code: Richmond City Code § 4-53Richmond's Backyard Chicken Rules
Richmond City Code § 4-53 permits up to 6 hens in residential zones with a one-time $30 permit from Richmond Animal Care and Control. Richmond is Virginia's capital and one of the South's more progressive cities for urban agriculture — the ordinance was modernized in 2012 and reflects the city's strong food sovereignty and urban farming culture centered in neighborhoods like Church Hill, Oregon Hill, and the Fan District.
The 25-foot setback from any adjacent dwelling is the main constraint. Richmond has many older neighborhoods with dense housing stock — in neighborhoods like Jackson Ward and Northside, houses can be close together, and meeting the 25-foot setback requires careful rear-yard placement.
Richmond's Urban Ag Culture
Richmond's Shockoe Bottom, Church Hill, and Manchester neighborhoods have active urban farming communities. Richmond Grows Greens and the Richmond Food Policy Task Force are strong local resources. The city's Health Department has historically been supportive of urban food production including backyard chickens.
Key Rules
- Up to 6 hens per single-family residential lot
- Roosters are prohibited in residential zones
- A $30 one-time permit from Richmond Animal Care and Control is required before acquiring birds
- Coop must be at least 25 feet from any adjacent dwelling structure
- Rear yard only — front yard placement prohibited
- Coop must be predator-proof and weatherproof
- Feed in sealed, rodent-proof containers
- Coop cleaned at minimum weekly to prevent odor complaints
Richmond vs. Surrounding Counties
| City | Limit | Permit | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Richmond City | 6 hens | $30 permit | 25 ft from adjacent dwelling |
| Henrico County | 6 hens | Use permit required | 25 ft from property line |
| Chesterfield County | 4 hens | No permit | 25 ft setback |
| Goochland County | More permissive | No permit for small flocks | County agricultural heritage |
| Colonial Heights | 4 hens | Permit required | 20 ft setback |
| Petersburg | 4 hens | Permit required | 25 ft setback |
Frequently Asked Questions
Richmond Animal Care and Control issues the permit at 1600 Chamberlayne Ave. Applications are available on Richmond's city website (rva.gov) under Animal Care and Control. Submit the completed form with a $30 fee (check or money order payable to City of Richmond). Include a simple sketch of your property showing house location, proposed coop location, and setback measurements. Processing: 1–2 weeks.
Richmond's code covers 'chickens and other domestic fowl' under § 4-53. Ducks are generally included in the same 6-bird limit. No drakes permitted due to noise. The same permit and setback requirements apply. Richmond's Animal Care and Control has confirmed this interpretation to permit applicants — ducks and chickens count toward the same 6-bird combined limit.
Yes — Richmond's ordinance applies uniformly across all residential zones within city limits, including historic districts. The Fan District (Monument-Stuart area) and Museum District properties are subject to the same 6-hen, $30 permit, 25-ft setback rules as all Richmond residential zones. Some Fan District properties have small rear yards where meeting the 25-ft setback may be challenging — use the Setback Calculator to check your specific lot dimensions.
Related Guides
StateVirginia Livestock LawsAll major VA cities and counties.GuidePermit GuideHow Richmond's permit compares nationally.ToolSetback CalculatorCheck your 25-ft placement zone.
Disclaimer: Ordinances change frequently. Always verify current rules with your local planning department before acquiring any animals.