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

Section 3-509.7 of the Harrisburg Codified Ordinances regulates farm animals and poultry by land area, which makes ordinary city lots ineligible. For poultry, subsection B permits keeping only on a lot within a land area equivalent to 40,000 square feet or more. In no event can more than 10 poultry birds be kept on each 40,000 square feet. The pen, shelter or enclosure must sit no closer than 75 feet to the front lot line and no closer than 75 feet to any side or rear line.

Subsection C defines poultry broadly as ducks, chickens, swans, geese, turkeys, guinea fowl, pheasants, pea fowl and pigeons, so the area and bird limits cover pigeon lofts and backyard ducks as well as hens. Subsection D makes the owner or person responsible for the animals answerable for preventing or eliminating all odors, animal waste and insect infestation caused by keeping them.

For other farm animals, subsection A requires, unless the Chief of Police otherwise permits, 60,000 square feet of land for the first animal and 20,000 square feet for each additional animal. A pen or enclosure of at least 1,600 square feet is required for the first animal, with 400 square feet for each additional animal, and a stable or similar roofed enclosure of at least 100 square feet for each animal held there. The pen must be at least 100 feet from any street or other property line.

Separately, § 3-509.1 bars anyone in charge of chickens, geese, ducks, turkeys or other fowl from letting them run at large on a public place, unenclosed lands or the premises of another. The general animal care duties in § 3-509.3 on food, water, shelter and veterinary care apply to all animals kept.