Can I keep chickens in Harrisburg, PA?
Yes, with conditions — Harrisburg allows chickens only in certain zones or lot configurations (up to 10 hens where permitted). Coops must be at least 75 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (Section 3-509.7B (Restrictions on farm animals), verified July 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Conditional (zone / lot rules) |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | 10 |
| Coop setback | 75 ft |
| Minimum lot size | 40,000 sq ft |
| Coop rules | Pen, shelter or enclosure set no closer than 75 ft to the front lot line and no closer than 75 ft to any side or rear line; owner must prevent all odors, animal waste and insect infestation. |
| Code section | Section 3-509.7B (Restrictions on farm animals) |
Harrisburg permits poultry (defined to include chickens) only on lots of 40,000 square feet or more, capped at 10 birds per 40,000 sq ft. The coop/pen must sit at least 75 feet from the front lot line and 75 feet from any side or rear line. Because the 40,000 sq ft (about 0.92 acre) threshold excludes typical city lots, keeping chickens is legal only for large-lot properties.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Harrisburg?
Yes, with conditions — Harrisburg allows chickens only in certain zones or situations (Section 3-509.7B (Restrictions on farm animals)).
How many chickens can I keep in Harrisburg?
Up to 10 hens. Poultry allowed only on lots >= 40,000 sq ft; max 10 birds per 40,000 sq ft. Effectively prohibited on standard residential lots.. Rules vary by zoning district — check the full summary for your zone.
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in Harrisburg?
75 feet minimum. Pen, shelter or enclosure set no closer than 75 ft to the front lot line and no closer than 75 ft to any side or rear line; owner must prevent all odors, animal waste and insect infestation.
Is there a minimum lot size for chickens in Harrisburg?
Yes — 40,000 sq ft.
What law covers backyard chickens in Harrisburg?
Section 3-509.7B (Restrictions on farm animals). Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Section 3-509.7B (Restrictions on farm animals) — read the official code
“The keeping or maintaining of poultry shall be permitted only on a lot within a land area equivalent to 40,000 square feet or more. In no event shall more than 10 poultry birds be permitted on each 40,000 square feet area.” source
“The pen, shelter or enclosure shall be set no closer than 75 feet to the front lot line nor closer than 75 feet to any side or rear 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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