Can I keep chickens in Bethlehem, PA?
Yes, with conditions — Bethlehem allows chickens only in certain zones or lot configurations (up to 6 hens where permitted). Roosters are prohibited, and coops must be at least 5 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (City Code Article 1159 (Bill No. 16-2022), verified July 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Conditional (zone / lot rules) |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | 6 |
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Permit required | Yes ($25) |
| Coop setback | 5 ft |
| Home slaughter | Not allowed |
| Coop rules | Coop and run in rear yard only; min 20 ft from habitable structures on adjacent properties, min 25 ft from any street, no closer than 5 ft to any property line; footprint max 120 sq ft, max height 8 ft; chickens secured in coop dusk to dawn. |
| Code section | City Code Article 1159 (Bill No. 16-2022) |
Bethlehem permits backyard hens under Article 1159 (Bill 16-2022), effective January 1, 2023. Only hens are allowed (no roosters), with a maximum of 6 chickens per property, rising to 10 if at least 50% are bantams. A permit is required (default fee $25), and only 40 permits are issued citywide. Coops must be in the rear yard, at least 20 ft from neighbors' habitable structures and no closer than 5 ft to a property line; slaughtering is prohibited.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Bethlehem?
Yes, with conditions — Bethlehem allows chickens only in certain zones or situations (City Code Article 1159 (Bill No. 16-2022)).
How many chickens can I keep in Bethlehem?
Up to 6 hens. Max 6 hens per property; if 50%+ of the flock is bantam, a collective max of 10. Hens only (no roosters). Permit required; only 40 permits citywide.. Rules vary by zoning district — check the full summary for your zone.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Bethlehem?
Yes — Bethlehem requires a permit or registration before keeping chickens (fee: $25).
Are roosters allowed in Bethlehem?
No — roosters are prohibited in Bethlehem.
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in Bethlehem?
5 feet minimum. Coop and run in rear yard only; min 20 ft from habitable structures on adjacent properties, min 25 ft from any street, no closer than 5 ft to any property line; footprint max 120 sq ft, max height 8 ft; chickens secured in coop dusk to dawn.
Can I slaughter chickens at home in Bethlehem?
No — slaughter is not permitted under Bethlehem's code.
What law covers backyard chickens in Bethlehem?
City Code Article 1159 (Bill No. 16-2022). Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
City Code Article 1159 (Bill No. 16-2022) — read the official code
“A maximum of six (6) chickens shall be permitted per property. In the event 50% or more of the flock is made up of bantam chickens, a collective maximum of ten (10) chickens shall be permitted per property.” source
“In the event City Council has not passed a resolution, the Permit fee shall be Twenty-Five Dollars ($25.00).” source
“No roosters. Only hens shall be allowed within the City of Bethlehem.” source
“The chicken coop and run must be a minimum of twenty (20) feet from structures with habitable space on all adjacent properties... may not be closer than five (5) feet from any property line.” source
Last verified July 5, 2026. Always confirm with your municipality — HOA rules can be stricter than city code. How we verify →
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