Hampton, VA Animal Ordinances: Chickens & Livestock (2026)
Key Facts
- Limit
- 6 hens, no roosters
- Permit fee
- $25 via city treasurer
- Excluded lots
- townhouse, duplex, multifamily
- Fine
- at least $250
Summary
Hampton allows up to six hens (no roosters) on single-family lots after obtaining a $25 permit, with sanitation, predator-proof shelter rules, and inspections by Animal Control.
Up to six (6) chickens may be kept on lots with a single family residence as the primary use. No chickens shall be allowed on lots with a primary use of townhouse, duplex, multifamily, or manufactured housing park.(b)Only hens, no roosters, shall be kept.(c)No slaughter of chickens for consumption or otherwise shall occur as part of this use.(d)Chickens shall be provided with a covered, predator-proof shelter that is thoroughly ventilated, provides adequate sun, shade, protection from the elements and is designed to be easily accessed and cleaned.(e)Shelters, pens, coops, or cages shall be kept in a sanitary condition at all times, and must be cleaned on a regular basis so as to prevent odors perceptible at the property boundaries. All feed for the chickens shall be kept in a secure container or location to prevent the attraction of rodents and other animals.(f)No person shall store, stockpile or permit any accumulation of chicken litter and waste in any manner whatsoever that, due to odor, attraction of flies or other pests, or for any other reason diminishes the rights of adjacent property owners to enjoy reasonable use of their property.(g)Any person wishing to keep chickens pursuant to this section shall first obtain a permit.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 31 | Zoning: Supplement 20).
Full Breakdown
Hampton City Code Section 5-24.1 lets a household keep up to six chickens on a lot whose primary use is a single-family residence, after complying with the Zoning Ordinance; townhouse, duplex, multifamily, and manufactured-housing-park lots are excluded entirely. Only hens are allowed, no roosters, and no on-site slaughter. Chickens need a covered, predator-proof, easily cleaned shelter, and the keeper must apply for a $25 permit through the city treasurer, after which Hampton Animal Control investigates before approving. Coops must stay sanitary and odor-controlled, and the site is subject to unannounced inspection.
Violations & Fines
A violation carries a fine of at least $250, and the permit can be revoked after investigation confirms noncompliance or two or more convictions under this section.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many chickens can I keep in Hampton?
Do I need a permit for backyard chickens in Hampton?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Hampton
How Hampton compares: Best Cities for Backyard Chickens·Compare Hampton to another location·View the Virginia animal ordinances overview
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