Right to Farm in Rockingham County, VA (2026)

2 rules for unincorporated Rockingham County, Virginia.

Verified from official government sources

Note: These county rules apply to unincorporated areas of Rockingham County. If you live within an incorporated city, that city's own rules apply: see the city list below.

Farm Nuisance Protection

In Rockingham County outside Harrisonburg and the towns, Secs. 17-302.02 and 17-303.02 of the Zoning Ordinance (chapter 17) tell residents of the A-1 and A-2 agricultural districts to expect farm noise, odors, and other day-to-day effects, and limit county regulation of agricultural and forestal activities to what public health and safety requires.

Rockingham County Right-to-Farm Protection

Few Restrictions

Rockingham County Code §§ 17-302.02, 17-303.02

Sec. 17-302.02. - Requirements. ... (b)Agricultural and forestal activities shall be regulated only to the extent necessary to protect public health and safety. People who choose to live in the A-1 district should expect agricultural and forestal activities to produce noise, odors, and other effects as part of day-to-day operations. ... ... Sec. 17-303.02. - Requirements. ... (c)Agricultural an...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Agricultural Zoning Protection

In Rockingham County outside Harrisonburg and the towns, new poultry and hog operations in the A-1 and A-2 agricultural zoning districts must sit at least 150 feet from property lines, 100 feet from public road pavement, 1,000 feet from town or city boundaries, and 600 feet from residential districts and schools under Sec. 17-607.

Rockingham County A-1/A-2 Poultry Setbacks

Some Restrictions

Rockingham County Code §§ 17-302.01, 17-607

Sec. 17-302.01. - Definition. The A-1 district is designed to implement comprehensive plan goals related to the preservation of the county's agricultural industry, economy, and rural character. ... Poultry operation. ... Any poultry operation started after October 1, 2014, shall be located on a farm, as defined in section 17-201. (1)Setbacks.a.Each structure and denuded area associated with the...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

All Rockingham County ordinances

See every category we cover for Rockingham County: parking, noise, fences, fires, animals, pools, and more.

Rockingham County Ordinance Hub →