Backyard Chickens in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

What the Harrisburg Ordinance Says

Harrisburg regulates animals and fowl in Chapter 3-509. Section 3-509.1 says chickens, geese, ducks, turkeys, and other fowl may not run at large on public places, unenclosed lands, or another person’s premises.

Section 3-509.7 sets the poultry-specific rule. The keeping or maintaining of poultry is permitted only on a lot with land area equivalent to 40,000 square feet or more. No more than 10 poultry birds are permitted on each 40,000-square-foot area.

The pen, shelter, or enclosure must be set no closer than 75 feet to the front lot line and no closer than 75 feet to any side or rear line. Poultry is defined to include ducks, chickens, swans, geese, turkeys, guinea fowl, pheasants, peafowl, and pigeons.

What This Means in Plain English

Harrisburg technically allows poultry on sufficiently large lots, but the 40,000-square-foot land requirement and 75-foot setbacks make backyard chickens impractical for many typical city properties.

If your lot is small or narrow, you likely cannot meet the location rules.

Practical Considerations

Lot Size Is the Key Barrier

40,000 square feet is just under one acre. Many urban residential lots will not meet this threshold.

Setbacks Are Also Restrictive

Even if the lot is large enough, the coop or poultry enclosure must be far from all lot lines.

Sanitation Matters

The code requires owners to prevent or eliminate odors, animal waste, and insect infestation caused by maintaining animals.

Getting Started

1. Confirm lot square footage.
2. Measure whether a poultry enclosure can meet 75-foot setbacks.
3. Confirm the rule with Harrisburg before buying birds.
4. Plan for secure confinement and sanitation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I have chickens in Harrisburg, PA?

Possibly, but only if the lot is large enough. Harrisburg requires at least 40,000 square feet of land area for poultry.

How many chickens can I have in Harrisburg?

The code allows no more than 10 poultry birds per 40,000 square feet of land area.

Are roosters allowed in Harrisburg?

The reviewed section defines poultry broadly and does not create a separate rooster allowance for standard backyards. Noise, sanitation, and nuisance concerns still apply, and residents should confirm before keeping any rooster.