Animal Ordinances in Norfolk, VA (2026)
7 verified animal ordinances for Norfolk, Virginia, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Chickens & Livestock
Norfolk allows up to 6 hens on residential lots with no roosters. Coops must be set back 25 feet from neighboring dwellings and kept in sanitary condition. Permits through the City may be required; sale of eggs restricted to on-site.
Animals: Chickens Backyard
Some RestrictionsDog Leash Laws
Norfolk requires all dogs off their owner's property to be leashed under City Code Chapter 6. Town Point Park, Ocean View Beach, and most city parks require leashes. Violations carry fines up to 250 dollars and civil penalties for repeat offenses.
Animals: Dog Leash Laws
Heavy RestrictionsBreed Restrictions
Norfolk has no breed-specific legislation. VA Code 3.2-6540.1 expressly preempts localities from banning dogs by breed. Norfolk relies on the behavior-based dangerous-dog framework under VA Code 3.2-6540.
Animals: Breed Restrictions
Few RestrictionsVa. Code § 3.2-6540.1
§ 3.2-6540.1 . Vicious dogs; penalties. A. As used in this section: "Serious injury" means an injury having a reasonable potential to cause death or any injury other than a sprain or strain, including serious disfigurement, serious impairment of health, or serious impairment of bodily function and requiring significant medical attention. "Vicious dog" means a canine or canine crossbreed that ha...
Beekeeping
Beekeeping is allowed in Norfolk on residential and agricultural lots subject to setback rules. State Apiarist registration under VA Code 3.2-4400 is required. Hives typically must be set back from property lines with water sources on-site.
Animals: Beekeeping
Few RestrictionsExotic Pets
Norfolk prohibits dangerous exotic animals including big cats, primates, venomous reptiles, crocodilians, and constrictors over 6 feet under City Code Chapter 6. VA Code 4VAC15-30 lists regulated species statewide; Norfolk adopts stricter local limits.
Animals: Exotic Pets
Heavy RestrictionsWildlife Feeding
Norfolk prohibits feeding of deer, foxes, raccoons, and waterfowl under City Code Chapter 6. Coastal feeding of gulls and pelicans along Ocean View and Willoughby beaches is discouraged and can draw nuisance enforcement. Songbird feeders are allowed.
Animals: Wildlife Feeding
Heavy RestrictionsPet Limits
Norfolk limits households to a combined total of 4 dogs and cats over 4 months old without a kennel license. Kennel licenses require zoning approval. Military families at NS Norfolk follow on-base rules separately.
Animals: Pet Limits
Some RestrictionsLooking for Norfolk City county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Norfolk city rules.
Animal Ordinances in Norfolk City →