Can I keep chickens in Beckley, WV?
No — Beckley does not allow backyard chickens in residential zones. (Code of Ordinances ch. 15 (Zoning), Sec. 15-24(6); see also ch. 3, Sec. 3-10, verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | No |
|---|---|
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Coop rules | Fowl, including chickens and roosters, are prohibited in the exterior yard areas or accessory buildings of any residential zone or the office-residential transitional zone. |
| Code section | Code of Ordinances ch. 15 (Zoning), Sec. 15-24(6); see also ch. 3, Sec. 3-10 |
Beckley's zoning code prohibits farm animals and fowl (including chickens and roosters) in the exterior yard areas or accessory buildings of any residential zone or the office-residential transitional zone. The animals chapter only regulates fowl running at large. Backyard chickens in residential zones are not permitted.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Beckley?
No — chickens are not allowed in Beckley (Code of Ordinances ch. 15 (Zoning), Sec. 15-24(6); see also ch. 3, Sec. 3-10).
Are roosters allowed in Beckley?
No — roosters are prohibited in Beckley.
What law covers backyard chickens in Beckley?
Code of Ordinances ch. 15 (Zoning), Sec. 15-24(6); see also ch. 3, Sec. 3-10. Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Code of Ordinances ch. 15 (Zoning), Sec. 15-24(6); see also ch. 3, Sec. 3-10 — read the official code
“Farm animals, fowl, reptiles and exotic animals are prohibited in the exterior yard areas or accessory buildings in a residential zone and O-R office-residential transitional zone.” source
Last verified June 14, 2026. Always confirm with your municipality — HOA rules can be stricter than city code. How we verify →
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