Backyard Chickens in Chesapeake, Virginia

What the Chesapeake Rules Say

Chesapeake allows six or fewer female chickens as an accessory use in its single-family residential zoning districts, subject to the zoning qualifications and structure rules described by the city.

The city’s official chicken and coop guidance identifies separate standards for RE-1 Residential Estate and A-1 districts. Owners should confirm the parcel’s zoning before relying on the standard six-hen residential rule.

Coop Location and Permit

In the typical residential rule, chickens must be housed in a fully enclosed accessory structure in the rear yard. A permit is required for that accessory structure.

The structure must comply with Chesapeake Zoning Ordinance Section 14-102. Because the applicable accessory-structure placement can depend on the parcel, confirm the proposed location with Zoning Administration before building or ordering a coop.

Important Zoning Exceptions

RE-1 lots follow the ordinance’s livestock and acreage table rather than the ordinary six-hen residential rule. A-1 districts have different livestock provisions and structure-location requirements.

The residential rule does not authorize slaughtering chickens on the property.

Official Source

• City of Chesapeake — Chickens and Chicken Coops