Backyard Chickens in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Can you keep chickens in Pittsburgh?

Thinking about keeping hens in the Steel City? Pittsburgh's urban agriculture zoning code makes backyard chickens a by-right accessory use for homeowners across the city, provided you follow the lot-size, coop, and no-rooster rules set out in the Zoning Code.

Yes – with conditions

Yes. The City of Pittsburgh permits backyard chickens as an accessory use under its Zoning Code. Section 912.07.B, "Urban Agriculture (Accessory Use) With Animals," states that "Urban Agriculture (Accessory Use) applications for the housing of chickens, ducks, goats, and honeybees shall be authorized as permitted by right" subject to a list of standards (§ 912.07.B).

On a lot of at least 2,000 square feet, a resident may keep 5 chickens or ducks, with 1 additional bird allowed for every extra 1,000 square feet of lot area (up to 10,000 sq ft, after which other rules kick in). Roosters are expressly prohibited. Keeping chickens is only allowed where there is an occupied residence, and a detailed site/plot plan must be submitted showing the coop and run as part of the required zoning application (with an approximate $70 zoning fee per city program materials).

Read the ordinance ↗

The rules at a glance

Hens in city limits: Allowed
How many hens: 5
Roosters: No
Permit required: Yes
Permit cost: $70
Setback from property line: 5 ft.

Peggy knows Pittsburgh

The rules, straight from the municipal code.

Base allowance: On property with a minimum of 2,000 square feet, the resident is permitted five (5) chickens or ducks. For every additional 1,000 sq ft of lot area, one additional chicken or duck is permitted, with no other livestock allowed on lots under 10,000 sq ft (§912.07.B(8)).
Roosters: Not permitted anywhere in the city (§912.07.B(7)).
Coop/structure size: Structures housing chickens or ducks must be at least six (6) square feet, plus a minimum of two (2) additional square feet per additional bird, and must be covered, well-ventilated, dry, and predator-resistant (§912.07.B(6)).
Occupied residence required: Chickens/ducks may only be kept where there is an occupied residence on the lot (§912.07.B(17)).
Sanitation: Animal structures and roaming areas must be kept sanitary, free of excrement/odor, and feed must be stored in secured, rodent-proof containers inside an enclosed structure (§912.07.B(5),(15)).
Containment: Outdoor runs must be enclosed/screened from the street and neighboring properties to protect birds from traffic/predators and keep them contained (§912.07.B(16)).
Setbacks: The Zoning Code does not set a chicken-specific setback distance; general accessory-structure setbacks apply — typically a 5-foot rear setback (2 feet if the rear lot line abuts an alley) and side setbacks matching the underlying zoning district (§912.04.B–C). (Note: beehives have their own separate 10-foot setback rule, which is sometimes confused with chicken rules.)
Application/permit: A detailed plot plan showing the coop and run location must be submitted to the City's Division of Zoning and Development Review; approved applicants receive a Zoning Voucher to complete an occupancy permit, with a standard fee widely reported as $70.
Goats vs. poultry: Chickens/ducks cannot be kept together with goats on the same lot unless the property is at least 10,000 sq ft.
No commercial sale in residential districts: Sale of agricultural products is only permitted in non-residential districts (§912.07.B(1)).

Where this comes from

Keeping a flock happy in Pittsburgh

🌡️ Climate

USDA Hardiness Zone 6b/7a

Pittsburgh has a humid continental climate with cold, often snowy winters and warm, humid summers. Coops should be insulated or wind-blocked for winter and well-ventilated for summer humidity, with attention to ice/snow load on roofs and mud management during spring thaw.

🦝 Who's after your hens

RaccoonHawkFoxCoyoteOpossumSkunkWeasel

Western Pennsylvania's mix of urban, suburban, and wooded terrain supports raccoons, red-tailed and Cooper's hawks, red foxes, coyotes, opossums, skunks, and weasels, all of which are known backyard poultry predators. Secure, covered runs with hardware cloth and nightly coop lock-up are the most effective general defenses against these species.

🐔 Breeds that do well here

Cold-hardy, dual-purpose breeds do well in Pittsburgh's climate: Plymouth Rock, Rhode Island Red, Wyandotte, Orpington, and Australorp.

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

Questions people ask about Pittsburgh

▸How many chickens can I keep in Pittsburgh?

On a lot of at least 2,000 square feet you may keep up to 5 chickens or ducks; you gain 1 additional bird for every extra 1,000 square feet of lot area, up to 10,000 sq ft, per Zoning Code §912.07.B(8).

▸Are roosters allowed in Pittsburgh?

No. Zoning Code §912.07.B(7) states roosters are not permitted anywhere in the city.

▸Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Pittsburgh?

Chickens are permitted by-right, but you still must submit a plot plan to the City's Division of Zoning and Development Review showing your coop and run location; the associated zoning application fee has been reported at $70.

▸What size does my chicken coop need to be?

Coops must be at least 6 square feet, plus 2 additional square feet per bird beyond the first, and must be covered, ventilated, dry, and predator-resistant (§912.07.B(6)).

▸Can I keep chickens and goats together on the same property?

Only if your lot is at least 10,000 square feet; on smaller lots you must choose either chickens/ducks or goats, not both.

City rules change, and this page is a summary rather than legal advice. Please confirm with Pittsburgh or your HOA before you order – and call us on (559) 321-7271 if you'd like a hand. Last checked September 2, 2026.