Virginia Beach, VA Animal Ordinances: Chickens & Livestock (2026)

Virginia Beach regulates chickens and livestock through the City Zoning Ordinance and City Code Chapter 5 (Animals and Fowl). Backyard chicken keeping is permitted in most residential zones, including R-40, R-30, R-20, R-15, R-10, and R-7.5, typically allowing 4-6 hens per residential lot depending on lot size. Roosters are generally prohibited in residential districts due to noise complaints. Coops and runs must be set back at least 15-25 feet from property lines and at least 25 feet from neighboring dwellings (specific setbacks vary by zone). Coops must be enclosed, predator-resistant (important given local wildlife including raccoons, foxes, and coyotes), and kept sanitary to prevent odors, flies, and rodent attraction. Slaughtering of poultry on residential property is prohibited. Livestock including cattle, horses, goats, sheep, and swine are restricted to Agricultural zoning districts AG-1 and AG-2, which primarily cover the rural southern portion of Virginia Beach below the Green Line (Pungo, Blackwater, Creeds areas). Minimum lot sizes apply: typically 1 acre minimum for most livestock, with stocking density limits (e.g., 1 horse per acre). Manure management must prevent runoff into waterways under Chesapeake Bay Preservation Area rules and state stormwater regulations. Swine keeping requires additional setbacks due to odor. The Commonwealth regulates livestock health through the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) under Virginia Code Title 3.2. Animal cruelty laws under VA Code §3.2-5506 require adequate food, water, shelter, and veterinary care for all animals. Violations of zoning and animal code can result in civil penalties starting at $100-$500 per violation, escalating for repeat offenses. HOAs frequently prohibit chickens and livestock regardless of city zoning permissions.