Yes, Pennsylvania generally permits backyard chickens, but local ordinances and state agricultural rules impose significant constraints. The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture regulates poultry health, while municipalities like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh enforce zoning codes that cap flock sizes, mandate coop setbacks, and prohibit roosters in residential areas. Recent 2026 amendments to the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code empower counties to adopt stricter standards, including mandatory permits for coops exceeding 50 square feet.
Key Regulations for Keeping Backyard Chickens in Pennsylvania
- Flock Size Limits: Municipalities set maximums, typically 6–12 hens per lot, with no roosters allowed in most residential zones. Philadelphia’s 2025 zoning update restricts flocks to 12 hens on lots under 2 acres.
- Coop and Run Requirements: Structures must comply with setback rules (e.g., 25 feet from neighboring residences in Allegheny County) and ventilation standards outlined in the Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code. Coops over 50 square feet require permits under Act 107 of 2026.
- Health and Biosecurity: The PDA mandates registration of backyard flocks via the National Poultry Improvement Plan to track avian influenza outbreaks. Mandatory coop disinfection protocols apply during confirmed HPAI cases in neighboring counties.