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 three 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.