Chicken Laws by County in Pennsylvania

Thinking about raising backyard chickens in Pennsylvania? You’re not alone. From Pittsburgh suburbs to rural farms in Lancaster County, more Pennsylvanians are embracing backyard flocks for fresh eggs, food security, and self-sufficiency. But here’s the key thing to know: Pennsylvania does not have a statewide chicken law—it’s up to each city, township, or borough to set its own rules.

This detailed guide breaks down chicken laws by county in Pennsylvania, helping you understand what’s allowed, where, and how to get started legally and confidently.

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Are Backyard Chickens Legal in Pennsylvania?

Direct answer: Yes, backyard chickens are legal in many areas of Pennsylvania, but the rules vary by local municipality. While rural zones are often unrestricted, urban and suburban communities typically enforce regulations on:

• Number of hens allowed

• Rooster bans in residential neighborhoods

• Minimum coop setbacks from homes or property lines

• Permit or license requirements

• Cleanliness and nuisance enforcement

Want to ensure your coop meets space and legal guidelines? Use this chicken coop calculator to design your flock’s home properly.

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Chicken Laws by County in Pennsylvania

Let’s explore key counties across the state and highlight chicken ownership rules in their major cities and towns. Always verify with your local zoning or code enforcement office, as laws differ by borough, township, and city.

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Philadelphia County

Direct answer: Chickens are currently not allowed in most residential areas of Philadelphia.

Details:

• The Philadelphia Code prohibits farm animals, including chickens, in residential zones.

• Urban agriculture advocates continue to push for reforms.

• Chickens may be permitted on designated urban farms with zoning approval—but not for backyard flocks.

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Allegheny County

Direct answer: Chickens are allowed in many towns around Pittsburgh, but not currently in Pittsburgh itself.

Details:

• City of Pittsburgh currently does not allow backyard chickens in most zones.

• Suburbs like Mt. Lebanon, Bethel Park, and Monroeville allow up to 4–6 hens with setback rules and no roosters.

• Fox Chapel and Sewickley permit chickens on lots over a certain size.

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Montgomery County

Direct answer: Chickens are legal in many municipalities, with flock limits and coop rules.

Details:

• Norristown prohibits chickens in dense residential areas.

• Lower Merion allows backyard hens with permits, up to 5 hens, no roosters.

• Abington Township and Pottstown allow chickens with zoning restrictions and required setbacks (15–30 feet from structures).

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Bucks County

Direct answer: Many areas of Bucks County allow backyard chickens with local rules on flock size and coops.

Details:

• Doylestown allows up to 6 hens, roosters prohibited.

• Middletown Township permits chickens on lots over 0.5 acres, with proper coop placement.

• Bensalem and Warminster may require zoning variances or restrict poultry to agricultural zones.

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Chester County

Direct answer: Chickens are widely allowed, especially in rural and suburban zones.

Details:

• West Chester Borough limits chickens to certain zones and requires setbacks of 20 feet or more.

• East Goshen and Kennett Square allow up to 6 hens, no roosters.

• Most rural areas of the county allow poultry freely without permit requirements.

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Delaware County

Direct answer: Chicken laws vary by township, with some areas allowing small flocks.

Details:

• Upper Darby does not permit backyard chickens in residential zones.

• Springfield and Radnor Township allow chickens with lot size minimums and strict coop location rules.

• Aston and Haverford may require zoning exceptions or conditional use permits.

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Lancaster County

Direct answer: Chickens are widely allowed and culturally common, even in residential zones.

Details:

• Lancaster City permits up to 5 hens with a free permit, roosters are not allowed.

• Ephrata, Lititz, and surrounding boroughs generally allow chickens with sanitation and setback guidelines.

• No permit required in most rural areas.

This is one of the most chicken-friendly counties in the state.

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York County

Direct answer: Most towns allow chickens with zoning and setback requirements.

Details:

• York City permits up to 6 hens, with a permit and 20-foot coop setback.

• West Manchester and Springettsbury have residential chicken ordinances—roosters banned, permits often required.

• Rural areas in the county usually allow poultry without restrictions.

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Berks County

Direct answer: Backyard chickens are legal throughout the county with local rules in each municipality.

Details:

• Reading allows chickens in certain zones with permit applications.

• Wyomissing and Exeter Township allow hens with restrictions on coop distance and cleanliness.

• More rural townships allow chickens freely unless part of an HOA or restrictive deed covenant.

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Lehigh County

Direct answer: Chickens are legal in many areas, including Allentown suburbs, with guidelines.

Details:

• Allentown permits chickens in limited zones and may require special approval.

• Whitehall and Emmaus allow chickens with setback and sanitation rules.

• Upper and Lower Macungie townships allow hens with lot size and coop regulations.

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Northampton County

Direct answer: Backyard chickens are commonly allowed with some suburban restrictions.

Details:

• Bethlehem permits chickens in select residential areas with a cap on hen numbers and a no-rooster rule.

• Easton requires permits for backyard flocks and limits total birds (often 4–6).

• More rural areas permit chickens with fewer limitations.

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Common Chicken Laws Across Pennsylvania Municipalities

While details vary, most towns follow similar patterns:

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Tips to Stay Legal and Keep Your Chickens Happy in Pennsylvania

To avoid violations, fines, or complaints:

• Check your local ordinance before building or buying anything.

• Avoid roosters unless clearly allowed by your municipality.

• Keep coops clean and secure to prevent odors and predator issues.

• Follow setback rules and place coops discreetly in rear yards.

• Use the chicken coop calculator to ensure proper spacing for your flock and local compliance.

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Conclusion: Raising Chickens in Pennsylvania Is Easy—If You Know the Rules

Pennsylvania is a surprisingly chicken-friendly state, especially in rural areas and small towns. From Lancaster to Lehigh, backyard chickens are allowed in most counties—but your local township or borough has the final say.

Start by reviewing your local code, skip the rooster unless permitted, and build your coop with care and compliance.

Ready to build a coop that fits your flock and your local rules? Use the chicken coop calculator to plan it all out before you buy a single board or bird.

Fresh eggs and flock-friendly living are closer than you think—just start with the right information