Chickens, bees and urban farming in Alexandria, VA
City Code § 5-7-2 bans keeping any fowl (chickens, ducks, geese, pigeons) within 200 ft of a home you don't live in, which rules out hens on almost every Alexandria lot. The City Code's animal chapter has no beekeeping rule.
A person last checked these rules on October 20, 2026. This is guidance only, so confirm with Alexandria before you build.
The details
- Measure 200 ft from your coop to the nearest neighbor's house. On a typical city lot that's impossible.High confidence
- Residents have proposed changing the rule. Check for updates before buying hens.Medium confidence
Check a project at your address
SetbackIQ reads the zoning, flood zone, historic district, and environmental maps for your lot. Then it applies these rules.
Common questions
- Can I keep backyard chickens or bees in Alexandria?
- City Code § 5-7-2 bans keeping any fowl (chickens, ducks, geese, pigeons) within 200 ft of a home you don't live in, which rules out hens on almost every Alexandria lot. The City Code's animal chapter has no beekeeping rule.
Sources
- City of Alexandria City Code §§ 5-4-5 (erosion and sediment control exceptions) and 5-7-2 (keeping fowl). Checked 2026-10-21
[5-7-2] It shall be unlawful for any person to keep or allow to be kept within the city, within 200 feet of any residence or dwelling not occupied by such person, any fowl... chickens, hens, roosters, ducks, geese, pigeons or any domesticated barnyard bird.…
- Action Alexandria, Allow chicken hens back into Alexandria (resident proposal describing current city code). Checked 2026-10-21
The current code only allows for one property owner in the entire city to be in compliance.
Disclaimer: This is general information, not legal or professional advice for any one property. Codes change. SetbackIQ is not a zoning determination, a permit, or a survey, and it does not replace an architect, engineer, or lawyer. Confirm with your building and zoning offices before you build, buy, or sign a contract.