Herndon generally prohibits backyard chickens and other livestock in residential zones due to the Towns suburban lot sizes and zoning classifications. Roosters are banned and hens are not permitted as of-right in standard residential districts.
Unlike some Virginia localities that permit limited backyard hens, Herndon zoning does not allow chickens as an accessory use in standard residential districts (R-10, R-20, etc.). The Town Code and zoning ordinance classify poultry as livestock, which is prohibited on residential lots typical of Herndon neighborhoods. Roosters are prohibited outright due to crowing noise. Residents occasionally petition for ordinance changes to allow limited hens, following the model of nearby localities, but no such allowance has been adopted. Ducks, geese, goats, pigs, and other farm animals are similarly prohibited in residential zones. Service animals and common household pets are not affected. Herndon also has no agricultural zone within its corporate limits given its suburban character. Residents wanting to keep hens typically relocate to unincorporated Fairfax County areas with agricultural or lower-density residential zoning that permits limited backyard poultry. HOAs would add further restrictions in most neighborhoods.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Herndon, VA
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Fairfax County.
See how other cities in Fairfax County handle chickens & livestock.
See how Herndon's chickens & livestock rules stack up against other locations.
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