Vienna, VA Animal Ordinances: Chickens & Livestock (2026)

The Town of Vienna Zoning Ordinance does not list poultry or chickens as a permitted use in the R-1, R-2, RS-10, or RS-12.5 residential districts that cover nearly all residential land in the Town. This effectively bans backyard chickens within Vienna corporate limits, distinguishing it from unincorporated Fairfax County where lots of 2 or more acres may keep limited poultry under the County Zoning Ordinance. Vienna's small typical lot sizes (most between 0.2 and 0.5 acres) and dense development pattern have historically motivated this prohibition. Residents seeking to keep chickens would need to petition Town Council for a Zoning Ordinance amendment; no such amendment has been enacted as of recent code updates. Ducks, geese, turkeys, guinea fowl, and other domestic poultry are similarly prohibited. Existing chickens maintained before a property was annexed into the Town are not grandfathered absent specific legal recognition. Violations are enforced by Town Code Enforcement; first warnings typically allow 30 days for removal, and continued noncompliance can result in civil penalties up to 250 dollars per day. Residents interested in local eggs can join community-supported agriculture programs or farmers markets including the Vienna Farmers Market held at the Vienna Community Center.