Backyard Chickens in Erie, Pennsylvania

Can you keep chickens in Erie?

Dreaming of fresh eggs in the City of Erie? Unfortunately, current city law says not yet — Erie's municipal code classifies chickens and all other fowl as prohibited "farm animals," making backyard flocks illegal within city limits. Local residents have been pushing City Council for change, so the rules may evolve — but for now, hopeful hen-keepers need to look just outside the city line.

Not straightforward

No. The City of Erie, Pennsylvania prohibits keeping chickens or any other domestic fowl within city limits. Under the City's Codified Ordinances, § 729.15 "Wild and Farm Animals" (enacted by Ord. 22-2004, passed 3-24-2004), the City states that "no person shall board, breed, house, keep or maintain... any animal usually kept as a farm animal or livestock in the City of Erie," and the ordinance explicitly defines "fowl" as one of the prohibited farm-animal/livestock categories alongside cattle, horses, swine, sheep, and goats. This has been confirmed as still in effect by City officials as recently as 2023, when a resident reported being unable to keep chickens under this ordinance.

Read the ordinance ↗

The rules at a glance

Hens in city limits: Restricted
How many hens: Not Allowed
Roosters: No
Permit required: No
Permit cost: Not specified
Setback from property line: Not specified

Peggy knows Erie

The rules, straight from the municipal code.

Because chickens (and all other fowl) fall under the City's definition of prohibited "farm animals or livestock" (§ 729.15(a)(5)), there is no legal pathway to keep a backyard coop inside Erie city limits — no permit, setback, or size exemption exists for hens or roosters. Any fowl found being kept in violation may be seized by the Bureau of Housing, a police officer, firefighter, or other authorized City official and the owner is responsible for reimbursing the City's seizure/placement costs. Violators face the general penalty under § 729.99: a fine of $100–$300 or up to 90 days imprisonment. There has been active, recurring citizen advocacy (as recently as 2023) asking City Council to amend the ordinance to allow a small number of hens (4–6) with no roosters, but as of the most recent codification (through 10-01-2025), the fowl ban remains unchanged.

Where this comes from

Keeping a flock happy in Erie

🌡️ Climate

USDA Hardiness Zone 6a/6b

Erie sits directly on Lake Erie's southern shore, giving it a classic "lake-effect" climate: heavy, persistent snowfall in winter, a shorter but humid growing season, and cool springs delayed by the lake's chill. Winters regularly bring sub-freezing stretches and significant snow accumulation, while summers are mild and humid.

🦝 Who's after your hens

RaccoonHawkFoxOpossumSkunk

Even though coop-keeping isn't legal within city limits, residents of surrounding Erie County townships that do allow poultry should be aware that raccoons, red foxes, opossums, skunks, and various hawks are common in the region and are frequent culprits in coop break-ins, especially near wooded ravines and creek corridors that cut through the Erie area.

🐔 Breeds that do well here

Not applicable — backyard chicken keeping is currently prohibited within Erie city limits, so breed recommendations do not apply unless keeping birds outside the city (e.g., in surrounding townships that permit poultry).

Our package comes with two Rhode Island Reds – hardy in heat and cold, and friendly with kids.

Questions people ask about Erie

▸Can I legally keep chickens in the City of Erie, PA?

No. City ordinance § 729.15 classifies fowl as a prohibited farm animal/livestock, so keeping chickens (hens or roosters) is not permitted anywhere within Erie city limits.

▸What happens if I keep chickens in Erie anyway?

The birds can be seized by City officials (Bureau of Housing, police, or fire personnel), the owner must reimburse the City's costs for seizure and placement, and violators face a fine of $100–$300 or up to 90 days imprisonment under § 729.99.

▸Is there any exception that lets Erie residents keep a few hens?

No formal exception currently exists in the code for residential hen-keeping. The listed exceptions apply only to zoos, veterinary facilities, research institutions, and similar entities — not private homeowners.

▸Is Erie City Council considering changing the chicken ban?

Yes — residents have publicly petitioned City Council (as reported by local news in 2023) to allow a small number of hens (roughly 4–6) with no roosters, and Council leadership has said it would explore the idea, but no ordinance amendment had been enacted as of the most recent code update.

▸Can I keep chickens just outside the Erie city limits instead?

Possibly — surrounding municipalities like Erie Township and Millcreek Township have their own separate zoning rules (some allowing hens with setback requirements), so check directly with that specific township's zoning office rather than assuming City of Erie rules apply.

City rules change, and this page is a summary rather than legal advice. Please confirm with Erie or your HOA before you order – and call us on (559) 321-7271 if you'd like a hand. Last checked September 20, 2026.