Keeping chickens and livestock in DC is tightly restricted. Under DC Code section 8-1808 and DCMR Title 24 Chapter 9, it is unlawful to keep hogs, cattle, sheep, goats, horses, or poultry including chickens within the District except under specific permits. DC is essentially a chicken-free jurisdiction for residents, with limited exceptions for educational and agricultural-zoned uses.
Contrary to many surrounding Maryland and Virginia jurisdictions, Washington DC does not allow backyard chickens for typical residents. DC Code section 8-1808 (Keeping of fowl and animals) makes it unlawful to keep live fowl or any hog, cow, calf, sheep, or goat within the District unless in a properly licensed slaughterhouse or under a specific permit from the Department of Health. DCMR 24-900 reinforces this prohibition and gives enforcement authority to DC Health and the Humane Rescue Alliance (DC's contracted animal control agency). There are narrow exceptions: educational institutions and community gardens may apply for permits to keep small numbers of hens for educational programs; research institutions with USDA oversight; and properties zoned for agricultural uses, which are essentially nonexistent in modern DC. A long-running DC Council effort to legalize backyard hens (similar to campaigns in 2013 and 2019) has not passed. Roosters are categorically prohibited. Rabbits, which are classified as pets rather than livestock, are allowed. Urban beekeeping is legal and separately regulated. Violations trigger removal orders from DC Health, and chronic violators can be cited under the nuisance code. This is one of the most notable differences between DC and its neighboring jurisdictions where hens are widely permitted.
Unauthorized poultry or livestock: removal order from DC Health and Humane Rescue Alliance. Civil fine: $100-$500 per DCMR 16-3201. Repeat violations: up to $1,000. Roosters: immediate removal and citation. Refusal to comply: misdemeanor prosecution under DC Code 8-1808.
See how District of Columbia's chickens & livestock rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.