Backyard Chickens in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Chickens are legal in Pittsburgh — here's exactly what the ordinance requires.
Pittsburgh Chicken Laws — Quick Reference
Housing structures must meet urban agriculture standards; chicken/duck housing minimum 6 sq ft plus 2 sq ft per additional bird
Urban Agriculture with Animals permitted by right; 5 chickens or ducks on lots of at least 2,000 sq ft, plus 1 additional per extra 1,000 sq ft
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What the Pittsburgh Ordinance Says
Pittsburgh allows chickens under its Urban Agriculture accessory use rules in Section 912.07. The code says Urban Agriculture with Animals is permitted by right and includes chickens, ducks, miniature goats, and honeybees under specific standards.
For chickens and ducks, the ordinance allows five chickens or ducks on property with a minimum size of 2,000 square feet. For every additional 1,000 square feet of property, one additional chicken or duck is allowed.
Roosters are not permitted. Feed must be stored in a secured, rodent-proof container and housed within an enclosed structure. Chicken or duck housing must be covered, well-ventilated, dry, predator-resistant, and properly maintained to prevent accumulations of animal excrement.
What This Means in Plain English
Pittsburgh is one of the friendlier major Pennsylvania cities for backyard hens. The standard starting point is five chickens or ducks if the lot is at least 2,000 square feet, with more allowed as lot size increases.
This is still a city environment. Sanitation, feed storage, secure housing, and no roosters are the big practical rules.
Practical Considerations
Lot Size Matters
Measure the property size before deciding flock size. The five-bird baseline only applies once the lot reaches 2,000 square feet.
Predator and Rodent Control
Pittsburgh specifically requires rodent-proof feed storage and predator-resistant housing, so hardware cloth and sealed feed storage are practical essentials.
No Roosters
Roosters are prohibited. Hens lay eggs without a rooster.
Getting Started
- Confirm lot size.
- Calculate allowed chickens or ducks.
- Build a covered, dry, ventilated, predator-resistant coop.
- Store feed in a rodent-proof container.
- Avoid roosters.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I have chickens in Pittsburgh, PA?
Yes. Pittsburgh allows chickens as an Urban Agriculture accessory use with animal standards.
How many chickens can I have in Pittsburgh?
The baseline is five chickens or ducks on lots of at least 2,000 square feet, plus one additional bird for every additional 1,000 square feet.
Are roosters allowed in Pittsburgh?
No. Pittsburgh’s urban agriculture rules prohibit roosters.
Recommended Setup for Pittsburgh's Rules
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OverEZ Classic Medium Chicken Coop
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Galvanized Feed Storage Can
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Verification Notice
This page was last verified against Pittsburgh's municipal code in May 2026. Ordinances change — always confirm current rules with your local city clerk before purchasing birds or building a coop.
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