Interested in joining the urban farming force? It’s completely legal to raise backyard chickens in Richmond — and coops for egg production can be a hot commodity. Here’s what you need to know to get crackin’.
For those of you outside of the city, here’s a list of surrounding county ordinances.
Starting from chicken scratch
The City of Richmond permits raising chickens in all residential districts, as long as residents follow certain guidelines + obtain an official $60 permit.
Prior to acquiring the permit, an inspector will stop by to assess the distance of your backyard. A regulation-standard coop must be over 15 feet from any adjacent dwelling.
How many chickens can I have?
Eligible owners can keep up to six female chickens — or “laying hens.” Roosters and English Gamecocks are prohibited. Those early wake-up calls don’t fly for most neighbors.
Pro tip: Consider adopting chickens from a homegrown farm in Central Virginia, like Dunreath Farm in Ashland.
What’s the (s)coop?
Your chickens need a home, and according to city code, they must stay cooped up — no free roaming. When it’s time to build your chickens’ dream house, here are some guidelines to keep in mind:
- Each chicken should have at least 3 sqft of personal space.
- It may seem obvious, but you need four walls and a roof.
- Fence gaps must not exceed two inches.
- Feed must be stored in rodent-proof containers.
