Virginia Beach, VA Animal Ordinances: Chickens & Livestock (2026)
Key Facts
- Where allowed
- Agricultural-zoned areas only
- Penalty
- Class 4 misdemeanor
- Exempt
- Companion animals kept as pets
- Fowl at large
- Separately banned, § 5-545
- Council parcels
- May specially designate other sites
Summary
Virginia Beach restricts horses, cows, goats, sheep, swine, and other livestock, plus fowl, to areas zoned agricultural or council-designated parcels: keeping chickens or livestock elsewhere in the city is a Class 4 misdemeanor.
No person shall keep horses, cows, goats, sheep, swine or other livestock or other animals within the city except in areas designated for agricultural purposes or parcels specially designated by the council for the keeping of such animals. ... Fowl may be kept only in those areas zoned for agricultural use.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 170 Update 1).
Full Breakdown
City Code § 5-543 bans keeping horses, cows, goats, sheep, swine, or other livestock anywhere in Virginia Beach except in areas designated for agricultural purposes or on parcels the city council specially designates for animal keeping. Household companion animals and licensed kennels are exempted. Section 5-545 applies the same agricultural-zoning limit to fowl, including chickens, and separately bans letting fowl run at large on streets or unenclosed lots. Violating either section is a Class 4 misdemeanor. There's no permit that authorizes livestock or chickens on residential-zoned lots outside agricultural districts.
Violations & Fines
Keeping livestock or fowl outside agricultural-zoned areas, or letting fowl run at large on streets or unenclosed lots, is a Class 4 misdemeanor under City Code §§ 5-543 and 5-545.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep chickens in my Virginia Beach backyard?
What happens if my chickens or goats get loose?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Virginia Beach
How Virginia Beach compares: Best Cities for Backyard Chickens·Compare Virginia Beach to another location·View the Virginia animal ordinances overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.