As of the time of this article, backyard chickens are illegal in Philadelphia. However, a proposed bill introduced in 2022 wants to change that. If the bill becomes law, Philadelphia residents would be allowed to keep up to 6 female chickens in their backyard. To determine whether urban chicken keeping is legal in your city or township, contact your local animal control or city/township clerk's office. Meanwhile, here are ten Pennsylvania municipalities that allow you to raise backyard chickens.
1. Pittsburgh, PA
The City of Pittsburgh's Urban Agriculture Zoning Code allows property owners to keep backyard chickens as an accessory use. Aside from chickens, the keeping of ducks is also permitted in Pittsburgh. According to the Zoning Code, you may keep a maximum of 5 chickens or ducks on a lot that is at least 2,000 square feet in size. Then for each additional 1,000 square feet of lot area, an additional chicken or duck is permitted.
2. Upper Darby, PA
An annual permit is required for the keeping of backyard chickens in Upper Darby Township, PA. A maximum of 4 chickens, excluding roosters, is allowed per permit holder. The Township's chicken-keeping ordinance requires hens to be maintained in a fully enclosed shelter with a covered fenced enclosure. These structures may only be located in the rear yard. The shelter or henhouse must provide at least 2 square feet of space per hen while the fenced enclosure must provide at least 4 square feet of space per hen.
3. Scranton, PA
In Scranton, PA, you may keep up to 2 chickens or ducks on a lot measuring 20,000 square feet or less in size. Then for every additional 1,000 square feet of lot size, you're allowed to keep one additional chicken or duck. The City's Zoning Code requires chicken coops to provide a minimum of 8 square feet of space per chicken. In addition, chicken coops are required to be kept at least 50 feet from any dwelling other than that of the chicken owner.
4. Bethlehem City, PA
The keeping of chickens for non-commercial purposes is allowed in the City of Bethlehem, PA. However, you're required to obtain a permit from the Animal Control Officer before keeping any chickens. As a permit holder, your property is subject to periodical inspection to ensure continued compliance with the city's chicken ordinance.
The ordinance applies only to single-family homes and side-by-side homes in residential zones RR, RS, RG, and RT. A maximum of 6 chickens (hens only) is permitted per property. But a collective maximum of 10 chickens is allowed per property, provided 50% or more of the flock is made up of bantam chickens.
5. Manheim Township, PA
In any zoning district within Manheim Township, the keeping of backyard chickens is allowed on any single-family detached dwelling lot. All chicken owners are required to obtain a zoning permit to ensure their small flock is registered with the Township. For a lot measuring between 15,000 square feet and 20,000 square feet, a maximum of 6 chickens is permitted. A maximum of 12 chickens may be kept on lots greater than 20,000 square feet. Only hens are permitted and they must be kept for personal use only. For more info, visit the Township's website.
6. Lower Paxton Township, PA
In Lower Paxton Township, PA, you may own backyard chickens in the following zoning districts: R-1, R-2, R-3, R-C, CO, AR, and IN. According to the Township's amended chicken ordinance, no more than 4 hens over the age of one month are allowed per lot of 0.20 acres. The keeping of chickens is not permitted on lots of less than 0.20 acres. Before acquiring the hens, you must obtain a permit from the Township Department of Community Development. The amended chicken ordinance requires chicken coops and runs to be setback 30 feet from any dwelling on any adjacent lot and 15 feet from any property line.
7. Haverford Township, PA
To own chickens in Haverford Township, PA, you have to apply for and obtain a Backyard Chicken License. To be issued a license, you must live in a single-family dwelling. If you're a tenant, you must obtain a letter of approval from your landlord. Once you're granted a license, you may keep no more than 4 hens for personal use in your backyard. You must keep your henhouse 20 feet away from any dwelling or property line. As a chicken license holder, you're required to make your property available for inspection by township staff at any time to ensure compliance and to investigate complaints.
8. State College, PA
In State College, PA, you may keep up to 4 chickens on a single property. To reduce potential noise, the municipality prohibits the keeping of roosters. However, if you own a property of 10 acres, you may keep roosters. All chicken owners in the municipality are required to at all times house their birds under sanitary conditions.
9. Penn Hills, PA
Backyard chicken keeping is legal in the Municipality of Penn Hills. However, you must first obtain a Special Exception from the Penn Hills Planning Department. This Special Exception permits you to keep no more than 4 hens on your property.
10. Hampden Township, PA
Under certain conditions, the keeping of backyard chickens is allowed in Hampden Township, PA. In residential areas, a Residential Domestic Chicken Permit is required to keep chickens. Under the permit, the keeping of chickens is allowed only for personal use. The on-site butchering of chickens, selling of chickens or eggs, and keeping of roosters over the age of 6 months are prohibited. On a property up to 1 acre, a maximum of 5 chickens may be kept. If your property is over 1 acre, you're permitted to keep a maximum of 10 chickens.
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