Pennsylvania Backyard Chicken Laws: Permits, Limits & Setbacks by City limits and County
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Pennsylvania Statewide Laws
Pennsylvania has no statewide hen limit, rooster ban, backyard permit, or coop setback. Cities, boroughs, and townships write the rule. The Right to Farm Act (3 P.S. §§ 951–957) can shield a normal agricultural operation, usually on 10 or more acres or a farm that meets the Act’s commercial test. A six-hen backyard is not automatically covered. Zoning still follows the Municipalities Planning Code (53 P.S. § 10101 et seq., including § 10601).
Statewide Hen Limit
Philadelphia allows up to 6 hens. Pittsburgh allows 5 on lots of at least 2,000 sq ft. Allentown allows 5. Bethlehem allows 6 (10 if at least half are bantams). Harrisburg ties birds to about 40,000 sq ft. Rural townships often post no number.
Roosters
Allowed under state law. Banned in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Allentown, Bethlehem, Erie, Scranton, Lancaster, Harrisburg, and York. Unincorporated agricultural land is usually more open.
Permits
No statewide hen license. Philadelphia needs none for 6 hens or fewer. Pittsburgh requires a hen permit. A zoning or building permit for the coop can still apply under local rules adopted through 53 P.S. § 10601.
Setbacks
Local only. Pittsburgh uses 10 ft from property lines. Harrisburg uses 75 ft. Scranton uses 15 ft. Many boroughs use 10–25 ft from a neighbor’s house.
Important: ⚠️Always verify with your city, borough, or township and any HOA before you keep birds.
Official Sources & Data Integrity
We reference Pennsylvania municipal bylaws and ordinances from verified platforms like ecode360.com, municode.com, and local government websites at the time of publication.
Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture
Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture — Food Safety / Farmers Markets
Pennsylvania DEP — Manure Management Plan
When a city or township has no published ordinance available in the sources above, we state “no publicly available ordinance data.” This does not mean chickens are banned — only that we could not locate a citable published rule. See our disclaimer below.
⚠️ Important: Pennsylvania ordinances may change without notice. Always verify the current rules with your local jurisdiction and any HOA before starting a flock.
Pennsylvania Major Cities Ordinances
Refer to our Official Sources below for data integrity.
Note: Not specified means the city code does not set that number. No published ordinance means no hen, rooster, permit, or setback rule was found in the city’s published code.
Philadelphia, PA
Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: Not specified
Pittsburgh, PA
Hen Limit: Up to 5 hens on lots of at least 2,000 sq ft | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: 10 ft from property lines
Allentown, PA
Hen Limit: Up to 5 hens | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: Not specified
Reading, PA
Hen Limit: Not allowed in high-density residential districts; AG zones only | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: 200 ft from property lines in AG zones
Erie, PA
Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: Not specified
Scranton, PA
Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: 15 ft from property lines; rear yard
Bethlehem, PA
Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens (10 if at least half are bantams) | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: Rear yard
Lancaster, PA
Hen Limit: Up to 6 animals including chickens | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Required over 6 animals | Setback: Not specified
Harrisburg, PA
Hen Limit: Up to 10 birds per 40,000 sq ft | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: 75 ft from property lines
York, PA
Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: Not specified
Pennsylvania Ordinances by City & County
Adams County, PA
Carroll Valley, PA
Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens per single-family detached dwelling | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: 25 ft from property lines; 50 ft from an adjacent house
Gettysburg, PA
Gettysburg, PA generally prohibits poultry in Historic District residential zones
Littlestown, PA
Littlestown, PA has no publicly available ordinance data for hen limits, roosters, permits, or setbacks.
McSherrystown, PA
Hen Limit: Typically 0.5 acre minimum | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: Not specified
Allegheny County, PA
Bethel Park, PA
Bethel Park, PA has no publicly available ordinance data for hen limits, roosters, permits, or setbacks.
Churchill, PA
Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: 25 ft from property lines
Franklin Park, PA
Hen Limit: Up to 10 hens; 2-acre minimum | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: Not specified
Mount Lebanon, PA
Mount Lebanon, PA has no publicly available ordinance data for hen limits, roosters, permits, or setbacks.
Penn Hills, PA
Penn Hills, PA has no publicly available ordinance data for hen limits, roosters, permits, or setbacks.
Armstrong County, PA
Ford City, PA
Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: Not specified
Freeport, PA
Freeport, PA has no publicly available ordinance data for hen limits, roosters, permits, or setbacks.
Kittanning, PA
Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: Not specified
Leechburg, PA
Leechburg, PA has no publicly available ordinance data for hen limits, roosters, permits, or setbacks.
Beaver County, PA
Aliquippa, PA
Hen Limit: Agricultural or rural zoning | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: Not specified
Beaver, PA
Hen Limit: Up to 4 hens | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: 10 ft from property lines; 25 ft from an adjacent building
Beaver Falls, PA
Beaver Falls, PA has no publicly available ordinance data for hen limits, roosters, permits, or setbacks.
Monaca, PA
Hen Limit: Agricultural or rural zoning | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: Not specified
New Brighton, PA
New Brighton, PA has no publicly available ordinance data for hen limits, roosters, permits, or setbacks.
Bedford County, PA
Bedford, PA
Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: Not specified
Everett, PA
Everett, PA has no publicly available ordinance data for hen limits, roosters, permits, or setbacks.
Hyndman, PA
Hyndman, PA has no publicly available ordinance data for hen limits, roosters, permits, or setbacks.
Saxton, PA
Saxton, PA has no publicly available ordinance data for hen limits, roosters, permits, or setbacks.
Berks County, PA
Boyertown, PA
Boyertown, PA has no publicly available ordinance data for hen limits, roosters, permits, or setbacks.
Kutztown, PA
Hen Limit: Animal-husbandry zones; often 2+ acres | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: Not specified
West Reading, PA
Hen Limit: Up to 4 hens | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: 10 ft from property lines; rear yard
Wyomissing, PA
Hen Limit: Animal-husbandry zones; often 2+ acres | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: Not specified
Blair County, PA
Altoona, PA
Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens on lots under 0.5 acre; up to 30 on larger lots | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: 15 ft from side and rear lines; 25 ft from a neighboring dwelling
Hollidaysburg, PA
Hollidaysburg, PA generally prohibits poultry in the borough core
Martinsburg, PA
Martinsburg, PA has no publicly available ordinance data for hen limits, roosters, permits, or setbacks.
Tyrone, PA
Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: Not specified
Bradford County, PA
Athens, PA
Athens, PA has no publicly available ordinance data for hen limits, roosters, permits, or setbacks.
Sayre, PA
Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: Not specified
Towanda, PA
Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: Not specified
Troy, PA
Troy, PA has no publicly available ordinance data for hen limits, roosters, permits, or setbacks.
Bucks County, PA
Bensalem, PA
Hen Limit: Larger lots or AG parcels | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: Not specified
Bristol, PA
Hen Limit: Larger lots or AG parcels | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: Not specified
Doylestown, PA
Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: 25 ft from a property line or dwelling
Levittown, PA
Levittown, PA has no publicly available ordinance data for hen limits, roosters, permits, or setbacks.
Perkasie, PA
Perkasie, PA has no publicly available ordinance data for hen limits, roosters, permits, or setbacks.
Quakertown, PA
Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: 10 ft from side and rear lines
Butler County, PA
Butler, PA
Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: Not specified
Cranberry Township, PA
Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: Not specified
Mars, PA
Mars, PA has no publicly available ordinance data for hen limits, roosters, permits, or setbacks.
Slippery Rock, PA
Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: Not specified
Zelienople, PA
Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: 15 ft from property lines
Cambria County, PA
Ebensburg, PA
Hen Limit: Special permission from Borough Council | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: Not specified
Johnstown, PA
Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: Not specified
Loretto, PA
Loretto, PA has no publicly available ordinance data for hen limits, roosters, permits, or setbacks.
Portage, PA
Portage, PA has no publicly available ordinance data for hen limits, roosters, permits, or setbacks.
Cameron County, PA
Driftwood, PA
Driftwood, PA has no publicly available ordinance data for hen limits, roosters, permits, or setbacks.
Emporium, PA
Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: Not specified
Carbon County, PA
Jim Thorpe, PA
Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: Not specified
Lansford, PA
Lansford, PA has no publicly available ordinance data for hen limits, roosters, permits, or setbacks.
Lehighton, PA
Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: Not specified
Palmerton, PA
Palmerton, PA has no publicly available ordinance data for hen limits, roosters, permits, or setbacks.
Weatherly, PA
Weatherly, PA has no publicly available ordinance data for hen limits, roosters, permits, or setbacks.
Centre County, PA
Bellefonte, PA
Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: Not specified
Ferguson Township, PA
Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: Not specified
Philipsburg, PA
Philipsburg, PA has no publicly available ordinance data for hen limits, roosters, permits, or setbacks.
State College, PA
Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: 25 ft from property lines
Chester County, PA
Coatesville, PA
Coatesville, PA has no publicly available ordinance data for hen limits, roosters, permits, or setbacks.
Downingtown, PA
Downingtown, PA has no publicly available ordinance data for hen limits, roosters, permits, or setbacks.
Kennett Square, PA
Kennett Square, PA has no publicly available ordinance data for hen limits, roosters, permits, or setbacks.
Phoenixville, PA
Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: Not specified
West Chester, PA
Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: 25 ft from dwellings; 10 ft from property lines
West Grove, PA
West Grove, PA has no publicly available ordinance data for hen limits, roosters, permits, or setbacks.
Clarion County, PA
Clarion, PA
Clarion, PA has a total ban on backyard chickens within borough limits
Hawthorn, PA
Hawthorn, PA has no publicly available ordinance data for hen limits, roosters, permits, or setbacks.
New Bethlehem, PA
New Bethlehem, PA has no publicly available ordinance data for hen limits, roosters, permits, or setbacks.
Rimersburg, PA
Rimersburg, PA has no publicly available ordinance data for hen limits, roosters, permits, or setbacks.
Strattanville, PA
Strattanville, PA has no publicly available ordinance data for hen limits, roosters, permits, or setbacks.
Clearfield County, PA
Clearfield, PA
Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: Not specified
Curwensville, PA
Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: Not specified
DuBois, PA
Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: Not specified
Falls Creek, PA
Falls Creek, PA has no publicly available ordinance data for hen limits, roosters, permits, or setbacks.
Houtzdale, PA
Houtzdale, PA has no publicly available ordinance data for hen limits, roosters, permits, or setbacks.
Clinton County, PA
Flemington, PA
Flemington, PA has no publicly available ordinance data for hen limits, roosters, permits, or setbacks.
Lock Haven, PA
Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: Not specified
Mill Hall, PA
Mill Hall, PA has no publicly available ordinance data for hen limits, roosters, permits, or setbacks.
Renovo, PA
Renovo, PA has no publicly available ordinance data for hen limits, roosters, permits, or setbacks.
Columbia County, PA
Berwick, PA
Berwick, PA has no publicly available ordinance data for hen limits, roosters, permits, or setbacks.
Bloomsburg, PA
Hen Limit: Up to 6 domestic fowl | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: Not specified
Centralia, PA
Centralia, PA has no publicly available ordinance data for hen limits, roosters, permits, or setbacks.
Orangeville, PA
Orangeville, PA has no publicly available ordinance data for hen limits, roosters, permits, or setbacks.
Crawford County, PA
Linesville, PA
Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens on lots of at least 2,000 sq ft | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: 15 ft from a neighboring main building; rear yard
Meadville, PA
Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: Not specified
Saegertown, PA
Saegertown, PA has no publicly available ordinance data for hen limits, roosters, permits, or setbacks.
Titusville, PA
Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: Not specified
Cumberland County, PA
Camp Hill, PA
Camp Hill, PA has no publicly available ordinance data for hen limits, roosters, permits, or setbacks.
Carlisle, PA
Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: No front yard
Mechanicsburg, PA
Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: Not specified
Shippensburg, PA
Shippensburg, PA has no publicly available ordinance data for hen limits, roosters, permits, or setbacks.
Dauphin County, PA
Derry Township, PA
Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: 25 ft from a dwelling or property line
Middletown, PA
Middletown, PA has no publicly available ordinance data for hen limits, roosters, permits, or setbacks.
Steelton, PA
Steelton, PA has no publicly available ordinance data for hen limits, roosters, permits, or setbacks.
Delaware County, PA
Chester, PA
Chester, PA has no publicly available ordinance data for hen limits, roosters, permits, or setbacks.
Media, PA
Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: Manure storage 50 ft from an adjacent residence; 25 ft from property lines
Radnor, PA
Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: Not specified
Upper Darby, PA
Upper Darby, PA has no publicly available ordinance data for hen limits, roosters, permits, or setbacks.
Elk County, PA
Johnsonburg, PA
Johnsonburg, PA has no publicly available ordinance data for hen limits, roosters, permits, or setbacks.
Ridgway, PA
Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: Not specified
St. Marys, PA
Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: Not specified
Erie County, PA
Corry, PA
Corry, PA has no publicly available ordinance data for hen limits, roosters, permits, or setbacks.
Millcreek Township, PA
Hen Limit: Conservation Residential district only | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: Not specified
Fayette County, PA
Belle Vernon, PA
Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: Not specified
Brownsville, PA
Brownsville, PA has no publicly available ordinance data for hen limits, roosters, permits, or setbacks.
Connellsville, PA
Connellsville, PA has no publicly available ordinance data for hen limits, roosters, permits, or setbacks.
Masontown, PA
Masontown, PA has no publicly available ordinance data for hen limits, roosters, permits, or setbacks.
Uniontown, PA
Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: Not specified
Forest County, PA
Marienville, PA
Marienville, PA has no publicly available ordinance data for hen limits, roosters, permits, or setbacks.
Tionesta, PA
Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: Not specified
Franklin County, PA
Chambersburg, PA
Hen Limit: 6 hens under 0.5 acre; 8 hens under 1 acre; 30 hens over 1 acre | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: 15 ft from side and rear lines; 25 ft from a neighboring dwelling
Greencastle, PA
Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: Not specified
Mercersburg, PA
Mercersburg, PA has no publicly available ordinance data for hen limits, roosters, permits, or setbacks.
Waynesboro, PA
Hen Limit: Not allowed in residential districts except lots of 2+ acres | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: Not specified
Fulton County, PA
McConnellsburg, PA
McConnellsburg, PA has no publicly available ordinance data for hen limits, roosters, permits, or setbacks.
Greene County, PA
Carmichaels, PA
Carmichaels, PA has no publicly available ordinance data for hen limits, roosters, permits, or setbacks.
Waynesburg, PA
Hen Limit: Up to 5 hens on lots of at least 10,000 sq ft | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: 15 ft from property lines; 25 ft from a house; rear yard
Huntingdon County, PA
Huntingdon, PA
Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: Not specified
Mount Union, PA
Mount Union, PA has no publicly available ordinance data for hen limits, roosters, permits, or setbacks.
Indiana County, PA
Blairsville, PA
Blairsville, PA has no publicly available ordinance data for hen limits, roosters, permits, or setbacks.
Homer City, PA
Homer City, PA has no publicly available ordinance data for hen limits, roosters, permits, or setbacks.
Indiana, PA
Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: Rear yard
Saltsburg, PA
Saltsburg, PA has no publicly available ordinance data for hen limits, roosters, permits, or setbacks.
Jefferson County, PA
Brookville, PA
Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: 25 ft from a dwelling or property line
Punxsutawney, PA
Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: Not specified
Reynoldsville, PA
Reynoldsville, PA has no publicly available ordinance data for hen limits, roosters, permits, or setbacks.
Sykesville, PA
Sykesville, PA has no publicly available ordinance data for hen limits, roosters, permits, or setbacks.
Juniata County, PA
Mifflin, PA
Mifflin, PA has no publicly available ordinance data for hen limits, roosters, permits, or setbacks.
Mifflintown, PA
Mifflintown, PA has no publicly available ordinance data for hen limits, roosters, permits, or setbacks.
Port Royal, PA
Port Royal, PA has no publicly available ordinance data for hen limits, roosters, permits, or setbacks.
Lackawanna County, PA
Carbondale, PA
Carbondale, PA has no publicly available ordinance data for hen limits, roosters, permits, or setbacks.
Clarks Summit, PA
Clarks Summit, PA generally prohibits poultry in borough limits
Dunmore, PA
Dunmore, PA has no publicly available ordinance data for hen limits, roosters, permits, or setbacks.
Lancaster County, PA
Caernarvon Township, PA
Hen Limit: Up to 3 chickens or ducks per 0.25 acre on lots under 5 acres | Roosters: Not Allowed on lots under 5 acres | Permit: Not required | Setback: 10 ft from property lines; rear yard
Columbia, PA
Columbia, PA has no publicly available ordinance data for hen limits, roosters, permits, or setbacks.
Ephrata, PA
Ephrata, PA has no publicly available ordinance data for hen limits, roosters, permits, or setbacks.
Lititz, PA
Lititz, PA has no publicly available ordinance data for hen limits, roosters, permits, or setbacks.
Millersville, PA
Millersville, PA has no publicly available ordinance data for hen limits, roosters, permits, or setbacks.
Lawrence County, PA
Ellwood City, PA
Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: Not specified
New Castle, PA
Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: Not specified
Lebanon County, PA
Annville, PA
Annville, PA has no publicly available ordinance data for hen limits, roosters, permits, or setbacks.
Cornwall, PA
Hen Limit: Allowed on lots of 1 acre or more | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: Not specified
Lebanon, PA
Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: Not specified
Myerstown, PA
Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Not Allowed on lots under 1 acre | Permit: Not required | Setback: Not specified
Palmyra, PA
Palmyra, PA has no publicly available ordinance data for hen limits, roosters, permits, or setbacks.
Lehigh County, PA
Catasauqua, PA
Catasauqua, PA has no publicly available ordinance data for hen limits, roosters, permits, or setbacks.
Emmaus, PA
Emmaus, PA has no publicly available ordinance data for hen limits, roosters, permits, or setbacks.
Whitehall, PA
Hen Limit: Rural or agricultural districts | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: Not specified
Luzerne County, PA
Hazleton, PA
Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: 25 ft from a neighboring house
Kingston, PA
Kingston, PA has no publicly available ordinance data for hen limits, roosters, permits, or setbacks.
Nanticoke, PA
Nanticoke, PA has no publicly available ordinance data for hen limits, roosters, permits, or setbacks.
Pittston, PA
Pittston, PA has no publicly available ordinance data for hen limits, roosters, permits, or setbacks.
Wilkes-Barre, PA
Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: Not specified
Lycoming County, PA
Hughesville, PA
Hughesville, PA has no publicly available ordinance data for hen limits, roosters, permits, or setbacks.
Jersey Shore, PA
Jersey Shore, PA has no publicly available ordinance data for hen limits, roosters, permits, or setbacks.
Montoursville, PA
Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: 25 ft from a dwelling or property line
Williamsport, PA
Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: Not specified
McKean County, PA
Bradford, PA
Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: Rear yard
Kane, PA
Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: Not specified
Port Allegany, PA
Port Allegany, PA has no publicly available ordinance data for hen limits, roosters, permits, or setbacks.
Mercer County, PA
Farrell, PA
Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: Not specified
Greenville, PA
Greenville, PA has no publicly available ordinance data for hen limits, roosters, permits, or setbacks.
Hermitage, PA
Hen Limit: Often 2 acres for livestock | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: Not specified
Sharon, PA
Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: 20 ft from property lines
Mifflin County, PA
Lewistown, PA
Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: Not specified
McVeytown, PA
McVeytown, PA has no publicly available ordinance data for hen limits, roosters, permits, or setbacks.
Monroe County, PA
East Stroudsburg, PA
East Stroudsburg, PA has no publicly available ordinance data for hen limits, roosters, permits, or setbacks.
Mount Pocono, PA
Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: Not specified
Stroudsburg, PA
Hen Limit: Up to 6 small animals including chickens | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: 25 ft from property lines
Montgomery County, PA
Abington, PA
Hen Limit: 2 hens on 20,000 sq ft; 2 more per extra 20,000 sq ft up to 8 | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: Not specified
Lower Merion, PA
Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: 50 ft from property lines and dwellings for coops housing 3 or more birds
Norristown, PA
Norristown, PA has no publicly available ordinance data for hen limits, roosters, permits, or setbacks.
Pottstown, PA
Pottstown, PA has no publicly available ordinance data for hen limits, roosters, permits, or setbacks.
Upper Dublin, PA
Upper Dublin, PA has no publicly available ordinance data for hen limits, roosters, permits, or setbacks.
Montour County, PA
Danville, PA
Danville, PA has a total ban on backyard chickens within borough limits
Northampton County, PA
Easton, PA
Easton, PA has no publicly available ordinance data for hen limits, roosters, permits, or setbacks.
Hellertown, PA
Hellertown, PA has no publicly available ordinance data for hen limits, roosters, permits, or setbacks.
Northampton, PA
Northampton, PA has a total ban on backyard chickens within borough limits
Northumberland County, PA
Milton, PA
Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: 25 ft from property lines; 50 ft from neighboring dwellings
Mount Carmel, PA
Mount Carmel, PA has no publicly available ordinance data for hen limits, roosters, permits, or setbacks.
Shamokin, PA
Shamokin, PA has no publicly available ordinance data for hen limits, roosters, permits, or setbacks.
Sunbury, PA
Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: Not specified
Perry County, PA
Bloomfield, PA
Bloomfield, PA has no publicly available ordinance data for hen limits, roosters, permits, or setbacks.
Marysville, PA
Marysville, PA has no publicly available ordinance data for hen limits, roosters, permits, or setbacks.
Newport, PA
Newport, PA has no publicly available ordinance data for hen limits, roosters, permits, or setbacks.
Pike County, PA
Dingmans Ferry, PA
Dingmans Ferry, PA has no publicly available ordinance data for hen limits, roosters, permits, or setbacks.
Matamoras, PA
Matamoras, PA has no publicly available ordinance data for hen limits, roosters, permits, or setbacks.
Milford, PA
Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: Not specified
Potter County, PA
Coudersport, PA
Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: Not specified
Galeton, PA
Galeton, PA has no publicly available ordinance data for hen limits, roosters, permits, or setbacks.
Shinglehouse, PA
Shinglehouse, PA has no publicly available ordinance data for hen limits, roosters, permits, or setbacks.
Schuylkill County, PA
Mahanoy City, PA
Mahanoy City, PA has no publicly available ordinance data for hen limits, roosters, permits, or setbacks.
Pottsville, PA
Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: Not specified
Schuylkill Haven, PA
Schuylkill Haven, PA has no publicly available ordinance data for hen limits, roosters, permits, or setbacks.
Tamaqua, PA
Tamaqua, PA has no publicly available ordinance data for hen limits, roosters, permits, or setbacks.
Snyder County, PA
Middleburg, PA
Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: Not specified
Selinsgrove, PA
Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: 25 ft from a property line or neighboring dwelling
Somerset County, PA
Berlin, PA
Berlin, PA has no publicly available ordinance data for hen limits, roosters, permits, or setbacks.
Meyersdale, PA
Meyersdale, PA has no publicly available ordinance data for hen limits, roosters, permits, or setbacks.
Somerset, PA
Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: Not specified
Windber, PA
Windber, PA has no publicly available ordinance data for hen limits, roosters, permits, or setbacks.
Sullivan County, PA
Dushore, PA
Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: 25 ft from a property line or neighboring dwelling
Laporte, PA
Laporte, PA has no publicly available ordinance data for hen limits, roosters, permits, or setbacks.
Susquehanna County, PA
Forest City, PA
Forest City, PA has no publicly available ordinance data for hen limits, roosters, permits, or setbacks.
Montrose, PA
Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: 30 ft from the property line; rear yard
New Milford, PA
Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: 15 ft from a property line or dwelling
Susquehanna Depot, PA
Susquehanna Depot, PA has no publicly available ordinance data for hen limits, roosters, permits, or setbacks.
Tioga County, PA
Liberty, PA
Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: 35 ft from a dwelling; 75 ft from a public street
Mansfield, PA
Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: Not specified
Wellsboro, PA
Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: Not specified
Union County, PA
Lewisburg, PA
Hen Limit: 4 hens on 5,000–10,000 sq ft; 6 hens over 10,000 sq ft | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: 12 ft from property lines; rear yard
Mifflinburg, PA
Hen Limit: Special permission from Borough Council | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: Not specified
Venango County, PA
Franklin, PA
Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: 15 ft from property lines; rear yard
Oil City, PA
Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: Not specified
Sugarcreek, PA
Sugarcreek, PA has no publicly available ordinance data for hen limits, roosters, permits, or setbacks.
Warren County, PA
Pleasant Township, PA
Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: Not specified
Warren, PA
Hen Limit: Up to 5 hens | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: 25 ft from the owner’s house; 60 ft from a neighboring house; no front or side yard
Youngsville, PA
Youngsville, PA has no publicly available ordinance data for hen limits, roosters, permits, or setbacks.
Washington County, PA
Canonsburg, PA
Canonsburg, PA has no publicly available ordinance data for hen limits, roosters, permits, or setbacks.
Monongahela, PA
Monongahela, PA has no publicly available ordinance data for hen limits, roosters, permits, or setbacks.
Peters Township, PA
Hen Limit: Up to 8 birds on lots of at least 2 acres | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: 100 ft from side and rear lines; 50 ft from any residence
Washington, PA
Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: Not specified
Wayne County, PA
Hawley, PA
Hawley, PA has no publicly available ordinance data for hen limits, roosters, permits, or setbacks.
Honesdale, PA
Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: Not specified
Westmoreland County, PA
Greensburg, PA
Greensburg, PA generally prohibits livestock in residential zones
Monessen, PA
Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: Not specified
Murrysville, PA
Murrysville, PA has no publicly available ordinance data for hen limits, roosters, permits, or setbacks.
New Kensington, PA
New Kensington, PA has no publicly available ordinance data for hen limits, roosters, permits, or setbacks.
North Huntingdon, PA
Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: 20 ft from property lines; 40 ft from an adjacent dwelling
Wyoming County, PA
Factoryville, PA
Factoryville, PA has no publicly available ordinance data for hen limits, roosters, permits, or setbacks.
Meshoppen, PA
Meshoppen, PA has no publicly available ordinance data for hen limits, roosters, permits, or setbacks.
Nicholson, PA
Nicholson, PA has no publicly available ordinance data for hen limits, roosters, permits, or setbacks.
Tunkhannock, PA
Tunkhannock, PA has no publicly available ordinance data for hen limits, roosters, permits, or setbacks.
Wyoming, PA
Wyoming, PA has a total ban on backyard chickens in Residence, Business, and Mining districts
York County, PA
Fairview Township, PA
Hen Limit: Up to 12 hens on lots of at least 1 acre | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: Not specified
Hanover, PA
Hen Limit: Up to 4 hens | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: Not specified
Manchester Township, PA
Hen Limit: 2-acre minimum | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: 50 ft from property lines
Springettsbury Township, PA
Hen Limit: Up to 6 chickens | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: Manure storage 200 ft from any lot line
Unincorporated Areas & Rural Counties
Outside a city or borough you sit in a township. That township’s zoning map, not a statewide hen cap, is the first rule. The Pennsylvania Right to Farm Act can shield a normal agricultural operation. ACRE (3 Pa.C.S. §§ 311–318) limits some “unauthorized local ordinances” against those operations. Ten contiguous acres, or a smaller farm that meets the Act’s commercial test, is the usual threshold. A six-hen backyard on a suburban lot is not automatically covered.
Rural second-class townships often have no hen number at all. Roosters are more often allowed. First-class and commuter townships can look like a borough: small hen caps, no roosters, rear-yard coops. Levittown, King of Prussia, Drexel Hill, and Glenside are examples. They follow the township, and often an HOA, not a city council.
The Clean Streams Law still expects a written manure plan on site, even for a small flock. Read the tax bill for the township name, then the accessory-use table in that township’s zoning code.
Zoning, Permits, Coops, and HOAs
Pennsylvania home-rule means the borough across the street can use a different hen rule than your township. Agricultural districts are often open. Residential districts in the same county may cap hens or ban poultry. A coop is an accessory structure. Yard placement follows zoning even when the animal code never names a number.
A recorded covenant can ban birds where the township allows them. That is common in Bucks, Montgomery, and Chester County subdivisions. Search the deed and plat before you build.
Philadelphia needs no hen license for six hens or fewer (Title 10). Pittsburgh requires a hen permit. Media requires a sanitation permit. Confirm the zoning or building permit with the township or borough office.
The Clean Streams Law still expects a written manure management plan on site, even for a small flock. County Conservation Districts publish a short form.
Selling Backyard Eggs in Pennsylvania
Flocks under 3,000 layers can sell shell eggs without a full food-establishment registration if the sale stays close to the farm (on-farm, a farmers market, or a local retailer within about 100 miles). Keep eggs at 45°F or below. Sell them promptly.
Mark the carton with your name and address, the word Eggs, the pack count, the date of lay, KEEP REFRIGERATED, and Unclassified unless you are a licensed grader (31 P.S. § 300.3 and the Food Safety Act). Cover old store branding if you reuse a carton.
Pickled, liquid, or hard-cooked eggs need a limited food-establishment registration and a kitchen inspection. Plain shell eggs do not.
Pennsylvania Poultry Slaughter Rules
Birds you raise and process for your household are outside state humane-slaughter licensing (3 Pa.C.S. § 2362(c)). Do not sell that meat.
Meat for sale must fit a USDA FSIS small-producer exemption (commonly 1,000 birds a year), PDA registration, sanitary water and waste handling, and the “Exempt P.L. 90-492” label. West Chester and other boroughs bar outdoor slaughter. Blood and offal cannot go to a storm drain under the Clean Streams Law.
Essential Guides for Backyard Chicken Success
Pennsylvania historic districts often have strict coop rules; our traditional-style DIY coop plans blend in perfectly with classic East Coast architecture. For ongoing care, view our Ultimate Backyard Chicken Coop Management Guide.