Fairfax County, VA Animal Ordinances: Chickens & Livestock (2026)

Fairfax County's Zoning Ordinance imposes some of the stricter backyard chicken rules in Virginia. Under the county Zoning Ordinance, the keeping of poultry (including hens) is classified as an agricultural use and is only permitted as an accessory use on residential lots of 2 acres or more. This effectively prohibits chickens on the vast majority of Fairfax County residential lots, which are typically quarter-acre to half-acre in size. Roosters, due to crowing noise, are prohibited on lots smaller than 5 acres regardless of other factors. On qualifying lots, hens must be kept in a coop set back at least 25 feet from any property line and 50 feet from any neighboring dwelling. Feed must be stored in rodent-proof containers, and waste must be managed to prevent odor and vector issues. Chicken ordinances have been a recurring topic at the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors since 2015, with advocacy groups pushing for small-lot allowances similar to Arlington's (which permits up to 6 hens on any residential lot). As of 2025, no ordinance change has been adopted. Homeowners associations frequently prohibit chickens entirely through CC&Rs regardless of county zoning.