Chickens & Livestock: Herndon vs Vienna
How do chickens & livestock rules compare between Herndon, VA and Vienna, VA?
Herndon and Vienna have similar restriction levels.
Herndon, VA
Fairfax County
Herndon generally prohibits backyard chickens and other livestock in residential zones due to the Towns suburban lot sizes and zoning classifications. Roosters are banned and hens are not permitted as of-right in standard residential districts.
View full Herndon rules →Vienna, VA
Fairfax County
Vienna prohibits backyard chickens and other poultry in residential zones. Unlike some Fairfax County unincorporated areas that allow limited hens on larger lots, the Town of Vienna Zoning Ordinance does not permit chicken-keeping on typical residential lots. Roosters are prohibited townwide.
View full Vienna rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Herndon | Vienna |
|---|---|---|
| Backyard hens | Not permitted in residential zones | - |
| Roosters | Prohibited | - |
| Other livestock | Not allowed on residential lots | - |
| Agricultural zones | None within Herndon | - |
| Alternative | Fairfax County rural districts | - |
| Fact | - | Chickens prohibited in all Vienna residential zones |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Herndon FAQ
Can I keep 4 hens in my Herndon backyard?
No. Herndon zoning does not permit chickens in standard residential districts.
What if my lot is over an acre?
Herndon zoning still classifies poultry as livestock not permitted in residential zones regardless of lot size.
Vienna FAQ
Can I have 4 hens in my Vienna backyard?
No. The Vienna Zoning Ordinance does not permit chicken-keeping in residential zones, regardless of number or whether roosters are included.
What if I live in Fairfax County but have a Vienna address?
Mailing address does not determine jurisdiction. If your property is outside Vienna corporate limits, Fairfax County rules apply, which may allow chickens on larger lots.
Compare other topics
See how Herndon and Vienna compare on other ordinance categories.
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