Regulations for Keeping Chickens, Bees, and Livestock in Arlington County
Arlington County allows the raising of livestock and poultry, including chickens and bees (apiculture), in all residential districts by-right under the "Agriculture" use category. However, property owners must ensure that any building, structure, or yard used to house livestock or poultry is located at least 100 feet from any street or lot line. Furthermore, Arlington County prohibits poultry from roaming at large on residential property.
Permitted Animal Types and Zoning Districts
In Arlington County, the "Agriculture" use category is permitted by-right ("P") in all Residential (R) and Residential Apartment (RA) districts [Section 5.1.2, Section 6.1.2]. This category explicitly includes the raising of various animals and insects.
Allowed Animal Raising Activities
According to the Arlington County Zoning Ordinance, the following activities are classified under the Agriculture use category:
- Animal Raising: This includes horses, hogs, cows, sheep, goats, and swine [Section 18.2].
- Poultry: The raising of chickens and other fowl is permitted [Section 18.2].
- Apiculture: Beekeeping is explicitly listed as a permitted agricultural activity [Section 18.2].
- Small Animals: The raising of rabbits and other small animals is permitted [Section 18.2].
Applicable Residential Districts
The raising of these animals is a permitted use in the following Arlington County zoning districts:
- One-Family Dwelling Districts: R-20, R-10, R-8, R-6, and R-5.
- Two-Family and Townhouse Districts: R-10T, R15-30T, and R2-7.
- Residential Apartment Districts: RA14-26, RA8-18, RA7-16, and RA6-15.
Technical Standards for Animal Housing and Containment
Arlington County imposes specific setback and containment standards to ensure that agricultural activities do not negatively impact neighboring residential properties.
| Feature | Arlington County Requirement |
|---|---|
| Minimum Setback for Animal Housing | 100 feet from any street or lot line |
| Applicable Structures | Buildings, structures, or yards used for raising, housing, or sale |
| Animal Types Subject to Setback | Any livestock or poultry |
| Poultry Containment | Prohibited from roaming at large |
| Machinery Restrictions | None (if incident to the agricultural use) |
Setback Requirements
Any building, structure, or yard used for the raising or housing of livestock or poultry in Arlington County must be located at least 100 feet from any street or lot line [Section 12.7.1]. This significant distance requirement effectively limits the keeping of larger animals or poultry to exceptionally large residential lots that can accommodate such a footprint while maintaining the required buffer from all property boundaries.
Containment and Nuisance Prevention
Owners keeping poultry in Arlington County residential districts must ensure the animals are contained. The Arlington County Zoning Ordinance explicitly states that poultry shall not be allowed to roam at large [Section 12.7.1]. Additionally, while "raising of pets" is listed as a common accessory use for household living, it is distinct from the broader "Agriculture" category which governs livestock and poultry [Section 12.2.3.A.3].
Accessory Structures for Agricultural Uses
Noncommercial agricultural operations in Arlington County residential districts may include various accessory structures. Permitted examples include:
- Barns
- Sheds
- Stables (noncommercial)
- Greenhouses or nurseries [Section 18.2]
These structures must still adhere to the 100-foot setback if they are used to house livestock or poultry [Section 12.7.1].
Sections Cited
- §5.1.2 (Residential (R) Districts Principal Use Table)
- §6.1.2 (Multiple-Family (RA) Districts Principal Use Table)
- §12.2.3.A.3 (Accessory uses - Household living)
- §12.7.1 (Agriculture Use Standards)
- §18.2 (General Terms Defined - Agriculture)