Bethlehem, PA Animal Ordinances: Chickens & Livestock (2026)

Bethlehem's Codified Ordinances are published by the City at https://www.bethlehem-pa.gov/ordinances and the controlling chapter for non-dog animals is Article 1159 (Animals). Section 1159.07 prohibits keeping cattle, sheep, swine, and goats anywhere within Bethlehem city limits — a flat ban that applies across both the Lehigh County and Northampton County portions of the City. Backyard chickens and other fowl are not flatly banned but are funneled through Sections 1159.09 and 1159.10, which set coop construction standards and minimum distance requirements between coops and occupied dwellings and between coops and food stands. Section 1159.04 requires application for a permit for any household keeping more than six animals total, and Section 1159.06 provides the general nuisance hook used where odor, sanitation, or noise from any animals draws complaints. Section 1159.05 establishes the City Animal Control Officer position and Section 1159.11 covers petting zoos. Pennsylvania has not preempted municipal livestock-keeping authority; the Right to Farm Act at 3 P.S. Section 951 et seq. (https://www.pa.gov/agencies/pda/farming/right-to-farm.html) protects existing commercial farms in agricultural zones but does not authorize new backyard livestock in third-class cities. Before acquiring any fowl, residents should call the City of Bethlehem Health Bureau and Department of Community and Economic Development to confirm coop placement and the six-animal threshold against the specific parcel.