Zoning in VA??

We are in Stafford Virginia and ready to get chicks this spring. We are looking for a small flock of 3-5 hens, for pets and eggs, but i cannot get an answer from zoning as to whether this is legal. I am not sure if who I am talking to is just uninformed, but the info she showed me gives very general regulations for R-1. It doesn't say I can own a dog or cat as a pet, so I would assume chickens are OK, it also doesn't exclude them. Any ideas?

BTW.. we have just under an acre of land, fenced yard, etc...and Stafford is not the most developed area in Northern Va, only saw major development the last few years, so I can not believe we can't have a few chicks.

Thanks!
Rebecca

 

Thanks everyone.

We read all of the ordinances and one section refers to poultry as livestock, another refers to all birds as companion animals as well. I am going to call the zoning board back and try to get someone on the phone who knows something concrete. We have no restrictions in the code for R1 that says no poultry or livestock, so I think we are OK. We also know our neighbors really well, and the coop and run will be close to the house and far from their property lines. We only plan to have 3-5 hens, no roos, so noise shouldn't be an issue either. I would think my 3 kids and Newfoundland are more of a nuisance

Thanks for all the help, as we get close to ordering chicks and putting up the coop, I know I will have a ton of questions. You guys are great!

Rebecca