Back to The Urban Coop Each locality has its own regulations (or lack thereof) related to the keeping of chickens and other livestock in areas zoned residential. HENRICO — Chickens are permitted but must be kept in enclosures (no free-range critters) at least 400 feet from any residential lots. The same distance requirement goes for all livestock. RICHMOND — Chickens are permitted only on lots larger than 50,000 square feet. They must be "suitably fenced" and can't be kept less than 500 feet from neighboring residences. Coops must be "clean, sanitary and free from refuse." Cows, horses and donkeys are allowed by right, but can't be allowed to wander city street — and must never wear bells! CHESTERFIELD — Prospective chicken owners must pay a $1,000 nonrefundable fee to apply for a conditional use permit. If granted, the permit conveys a "residential stock farm" designation and allows for the keeping of chickens, cows, goats, horses, rabbits "or other small domesticated livestock." HANOVER — Chickens are allowed; they're the single exception to the county's restriction on animals running at large. ASHLAND — Chickens are permitted within town limits; prospective owners must submit to an on-site inspection by town administration officials.
