Washington DC generally prohibits keeping chickens, roosters, and farm livestock in residential zones under DCMR Title 24 Chapter 9. Limited exceptions exist for educational programs and properties zoned for agriculture, which are rare.
DC zoning treats poultry, goats, pigs, and other livestock as prohibited in standard residential districts. DOH Animal Services enforces against backyard flocks after complaints, often citing health, noise, and rodent attraction concerns. Schools and community gardens running educational poultry programs need DOH approval and a defined containment plan. Slaughter on residential property is banned. Residents seeking eggs or meat must rely on DC area farmers markets. Unlike Maryland and Virginia counties, DC has not adopted a backyard chicken ordinance despite repeated DC Council proposals.
Keeping prohibited livestock: 300 dollars per animal per cycle plus mandatory removal; repeat violations refer to OAG civil enforcement and possible nuisance abatement.
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See how Washington's chickens & livestock rules stack up against other locations.
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