Alexandria Sec. 5-7-2 prohibits keeping any fowl within 200 feet of any residence or dwelling not occupied by the keeper. The setback effectively bans backyard chickens for most city lots, which are too small to meet the 200-foot requirement.
Backyard chicken keeping in Alexandria is regulated by local ordinance. Many Virginia cities allow limited hens (typically 4 to 6) but prohibit roosters in residential zones. Common requirements include: coop setbacks (15 to 25 ft from property lines), enclosed runs, proper waste management, and predator-proof housing. Livestock (goats, pigs) typically prohibited in residential zones unless on agricultural-zoned land. Virginia's Right to Farm Act (VA Code §3.2-300) protects agricultural operations.
Ordinance violation: $100 to $500. Repeat: daily fines. Animal removal possible for non-compliance.
Alexandria, VA
Alexandria prohibits storing abandoned, inoperable, or unregistered vehicles on public streets or visible on private property. Vehicles may be tagged and tow...
Alexandria, VA
Alexandria EV chargers need an electrical permit (and possibly a structural permit) via APEX. In the two locally-regulated historic districts or on 100-Year-...
Alexandria, VA
Alexandria regulates overnight parking on public streets. Many areas restrict parking between certain hours or require permits for overnight street parking.
Alexandria, VA
Alexandria requires pool barriers meeting safety codes to prevent drowning. Fences must be at least 4 to 5 feet tall with self-closing, self-latching gates.
Alexandria, VA
Alexandria requires permits for retaining walls above a certain height, typically 4 feet. Engineering review may be required for taller walls.
Alexandria, VA
Alexandria enforces the Virginia Statewide Building Code (USBC, 13VAC5-63), which adopts IRC 2018 Section R314. Smoke alarms are required in every sleeping r...
See how Alexandria's chickens & livestock rules stack up against other locations.
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