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Norfolk, VA Animal Ordinances: Wildlife Feeding (2026)

Significant Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Key Facts

Governing section
Norfolk Code § 6.1-13
General rule
No feeding native VA wildlife
Exception
Bird feeders specifically exempt
Where feeding is allowed
City-designated areas only
Enforcement
Animal protection unit, Norfolk PD

Summary

Norfolk makes it unlawful to feed native Virginia wildlife anywhere in the city except in areas the city designates for that purpose, though ordinary backyard bird feeders are specifically carved out of the ban.

It shall be unlawful to feed any native Virginia wildlife within the city limits except in areas designated for that purpose. This section shall not apply to bird feeders.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 166).

Full Breakdown

1-13 states plainly that it is unlawful to feed any native Virginia wildlife within the city limits except in areas designated for that purpose, then immediately exempts bird feeders from the prohibition. 1-3. The ban targets feeding practices that draw deer, geese, foxes, and other native species into residential areas, where concentrated feeding stations tend to create nuisance conditions, property damage, and traffic hazards; the city has not published a list of designated feeding areas in this chapter, so absent such a designation the default rule for any native species other than birds at a feeder is no feeding at all. 1.

Violations & Fines

Feeding native Virginia wildlife outside a city-designated area is a violation of § 6.1-13. Chapter 6.1's general penalty at § 6.1-1 makes an unexempted violation a class 1 misdemeanor, with each day the feeding continues charged as a separate offense, and a court may order restitution for city costs tied to responding to a resulting wildlife concentration.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I put out corn for deer in my Norfolk backyard?
No. Section 6.1-13 bans feeding native Virginia wildlife, which includes deer, anywhere in the city except in an area the city has designated for that purpose; a private backyard does not qualify as a designated area.
Is it legal to keep a bird feeder in Norfolk?
Yes. Section 6.1-13 specifically states that the feeding ban does not apply to bird feeders, so backyard birdseed feeders are exempt even though feeding other native wildlife is prohibited.
What happens if I get cited for feeding geese or foxes?
A violation of § 6.1-13 falls under chapter 6.1's general penalty at § 6.1-1, which makes it a class 1 misdemeanor, with each additional day of feeding treated as a separate offense and possible restitution ordered for city response costs.

Sources & Official References

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All Norfolk rules

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