Suffolk, VA Animal Ordinances: Chickens & Livestock (2026)
Key Facts
- Allowed Districts
- A, RR, RE only
- Other Zones
- Poultry prohibited
- Livestock Fencing
- 20 ft from neighbor home
- Horses
- 2-acre minimum
- Code
- UDO Sec. 31-702
Summary
In Suffolk, chickens and other agricultural animals are allowed only in the A, RR, and RE zoning districts and are prohibited in all other residential zones. Livestock must be fenced at least 20 feet from a neighbor's dwelling. UDO Sec. 31-702.
Agricultural animals and livestock shall be permitted in the A (Agricultural), RR (Rural Residential) and RE (Rural Estate) zoning districts and shall be prohibited in all other zoning districts. Agricultural animals and livestock shall be subject to the following provisions:
(1) All livestock shall be fenced so that they are no closer than 20 feet from a dwelling unit on an adjoining property except as specified in Section 31-702 (f).
(c) HORSES.
(1) Where permitted by Section 31-406 of this Ordinance, stables for the housing of horses shall be constructed so as to facilitate maintenance in a clean and sanitary condition.
(2) Stables shall be set back a minimum of ten feet from the side and rear property lines and 50 feet from all water courses, streams and active wells. Stables in front yards must meet the minimum principal structure set back for the applicable zoning district.
(3) The minimum acreage for keeping one horse is two acres, which may include a homesite. For parcels of three to five acres, three additional horses per acre may be kept. For incremental acreage increases of six through ten acres five horses per additional acre are permitted.
(d) HOUSEHOLD PETS.
(1) In all zones, except the A (Agricultural) zone, a maximum of five adult (six (6) months or older) dogs shall be permitted.
(2) The requirements of Subsection (1) above shall not apply to those small animals kept
Full Breakdown
Suffolk is an independent city with large rural areas, and its animal rules are zoning-district-specific. Under Unified Development Ordinance Sec. 31-702(b), agricultural animals and livestock, which the animal code defines to include all poultry and fowl, are permitted only in the A (Agricultural), RR (Rural Residential), and RE (Rural Estate) districts and are prohibited in every other district. So backyard hens are not allowed on a typical residential-zoned lot. Where permitted, livestock must be fenced no closer than 20 feet from a dwelling on adjoining property. Horses require a minimum of two acres. Intensive poultry and livestock facilities carry separate acreage and setback standards.
Violations & Fines
Keeping chickens or livestock in a prohibited residential district is a zoning violation; Neighborhood Development Services can issue a notice, assess daily civil penalties, and order removal of the animals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep backyard chickens in Suffolk?
How far must livestock be fenced from my neighbor?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Suffolk
How Suffolk compares: Best Cities for Backyard Chickens·Compare Suffolk to another location·View the Virginia animal ordinances overview
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