Backyard Chickens in Norfolk, Virginia

What the Norfolk Rules Say

Norfolk requires approval from the Department of Public Health, Bureau of Environmental Health before a resident obtains chickens. The city’s permit application allows a maximum of six female chickens.

Each permitted chicken must have an identification band with a number specific to that bird. The permit holder may not add birds beyond the approved number without prior approval.

Property and Coop Qualifications

The official application limits eligibility to a single-family dwelling. A renter must provide landlord approval.

Chickens must remain within the permit holder’s property. The application also warns that dimensional changes affecting coop set-offs, property boundaries, or required space need prior Public Health approval. Use the approved site plan rather than assuming a general setback applies to every lot.

Before Getting Chickens

Contact Norfolk Environmental Health for the current application fee and the documents required for the property. Do not purchase birds or alter a proposed enclosure until the city approves the permit and placement.

Official Source

• Norfolk Department of Public Health — Chicken Permit Application
• Norfolk Zoning Ordinance