Coop Ready Virginia Richmond
Allowed with a permit
Yes, with a permit. Richmond allows backyard hens, but you need a permit first.
The permit includes a background check and a site inspection, and renters need the owner's written approval. Provide at least 3 sq ft per hen in an enclosed coop.
Hen limit
6
Roosters
Banned
Permit
$60 per year
Coop placement
At least 15 ft from any home on an adjacent lot; not in the front or street-side yard
Checked against city code We read the official code section linked below for every fact on this page.
Read the official Richmond rules ↗ Checked October 2026.
Will your coop fit in Richmond?
Draw your lot, your house and your neighbor's house on a satellite map, drop in a coop, and Coop Ready measures the distances and compares them with the Richmond rules above. Free, no account.
Backyard chicken questions in Richmond
How many chickens can I have in Richmond?
Up to 6 hens on a typical home lot.
Are roosters allowed in Richmond?
No. Richmond bans roosters on typical home lots.
Do I need a permit for backyard chickens in Richmond?
The permit rule in Richmond: $60 per year.
How far does a chicken coop have to be from my neighbor in Richmond?
Where the coop can go in Richmond: at least 15 ft from any home on an adjacent lot; not in the front or street-side yard.
Can my HOA ban chickens if Richmond allows them?
Yes. HOA rules, deed restrictions and leases can be stricter than city code. Read yours before you build.
More Virginia cities
More from Coop Ready
- Rooster laws by city
- Cities that ban chickens
- HOA chicken rules
- Arizona chicken laws
- California chicken laws
- Florida chicken laws
- Georgia chicken laws
- Texas chicken laws
See every city on Coop Ready → · Coop size calculator · Chicken laws study · Backyard chickens 101
Coop Ready is a planning aid, not legal advice. City codes change, and zoning, HOA rules and your exact parcel can change what is allowed. Confirm with Richmond before you build.
