Can I keep chickens in Erie, PA?
No — Erie does not allow backyard chickens in residential zones. (Codified Ordinances Article 729, Section 729.15, verified July 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | No |
|---|---|
| Code section | Codified Ordinances Article 729, Section 729.15 |
Erie prohibits keeping any animal usually kept as a farm animal or livestock, and expressly lists fowl among prohibited farm animals; exceptions apply only to zoos, educational/research institutions, veterinary facilities and circuses. Backyard chickens are not permitted. Aggregator claims that Erie allows 'up to 6 hens' are contradicted by the codified text.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Erie?
No — chickens are not allowed in Erie (Codified Ordinances Article 729, Section 729.15).
What law covers backyard chickens in Erie?
Codified Ordinances Article 729, Section 729.15. Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Codified Ordinances Article 729, Section 729.15 — read the official code
“No person shall board, breed, house, keep or maintain any animal ... usually kept as a farm animal or livestock in the City of Erie ... Cattle, horses, swine ..., sheep, goats, fowl and all other animals usually kept as farm animals or livestock.” 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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