Can I keep chickens in St. John, VI?
No — St. John does not allow backyard chickens in residential zones. (Virgin Islands Code, Title 29, Chapter 3, Subchapter I, § 228 (Table of Permitted Uses), verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | No |
|---|---|
| Code section | Virgin Islands Code, Title 29, Chapter 3, Subchapter I, § 228 (Table of Permitted Uses) |
The USVI territorial zoning code (Title 29, § 228) restricts livestock and poultry to A-1 and A-2 agricultural zones only. The R-1 and R-2 residential zones explicitly list 'Agriculture, Crops, Fruits & Vegetables' as permitted but do not include Livestock & Poultry. Much of St. John is National Park land, further limiting any agricultural zone land on the island.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in St. John?
No — chickens are not allowed in St. John (Virgin Islands Code, Title 29, Chapter 3, Subchapter I, § 228 (Table of Permitted Uses)).
What law covers backyard chickens in St. John?
Virgin Islands Code, Title 29, Chapter 3, Subchapter I, § 228 (Table of Permitted Uses). Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Virgin Islands Code, Title 29, Chapter 3, Subchapter I, § 228 (Table of Permitted Uses) — read the official code
“R-1 RESIDENTIAL—LOW DENSITY Uses permitted as a matter of right: 1. Accessory Buildings 2. Agriculture, Crops, Fruits & Vegetables [... Livestock & Poultry not listed in R-1 or R-2 residential zones]” source
“A-1 AGRICULTURAL ZONE Uses permitted as a matter of right: 1. Agriculture Crops, Fruits & Vegetables Fish & Marine Products (Hatcheries & Pond) Forest & Forestry Horticulture Livestock & Poultry” source
“Land, water and buildings may be used only for a use set forth in the TABLE OF PERMITTED USES and only within those districts specified in said Table and only under the circumstances indicated in said Table” source
“livestock and fowl are allowed to be kept on properties zoned for Agriculture only” source
Last verified June 15, 2026. Always confirm with your municipality — HOA rules can be stricter than city code. How we verify →
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