Pittsburgh, PA Animal Ordinances: Chickens & Livestock (2026)
Key Facts
- Roosters
- Not permitted anywhere in city
- Chickens/ducks
- 5 per 2,000 sf, +1 per 1,000 sf
- Coop size
- 6 sf min, +2 sf per bird
- Goats
- 2 max on lots under 10,000 sf
Summary
Pittsburgh allows chickens, ducks, goats, and honeybees by right in any residential yard, but caps counts by lot size, bans roosters outright, and requires coops sized six square feet plus two per bird.
Roosters are not permitted;
(8) For property with a minimum of two thousand (2,000) square feet in size, the resident is permitted five (5) chickens or ducks. For every additional one thousand (1,000) square feet of property, the resident is permitted one (1) additional chicken or duck, with no other livestock for lots under ten thousand (10,000 square feet).
(9) For property with a minimum of two thousand (2,000) square feet in size, the resident is permitted to keep two (2) beehives. For every additional two thousand (2,000) square feet of property, the resident is permitted two (2) additional beehives;
(10) All structures necessary for and related to the housing of honeybees shall be subject to any required setbacks of the underlying zoning district, and shall otherwise be set back at least ten (10) feet from any property line;
(11) A "flyway barrier" of at least six (6) feet in height shall be provided at all places on the property line that are within twenty (20) feet of the hive(s). The "flyway barrier" shall consist of a solid fence or wall, dense vegetation, or combination thereof. No flyway is required for hives that are located on porches or balconies at least ten (10) feet above grade, except where such porch or balcony is located less than five (5) feet from a property line.
(12) Roof-mounted beehives shall be located on primary and accessory structures no lower than ten (10) feet from grade and shall not be within the required setback;
(13)
Full Breakdown
Pittsburgh Code § 912.07.B permits chickens, ducks, goats, and honeybees by right as an accessory use citywide, not just in agricultural zones. Roosters are banned entirely. Chicken and duck coops must be at least six square feet, plus two square feet per bird beyond the first, covered, ventilated, dry, and predator-resistant. A 2,000-square-foot lot may keep five chickens or ducks; add one bird per extra 1,000 square feet, with no other livestock allowed under 10,000 square feet. Goats are limited to two dehorned, neutered-or-female miniature goats on lots under 10,000 square feet, plus one more per additional 5,000 square feet above that. Roaming areas must be enclosed and screened, and animals are allowed only at an occupied residence.
Violations & Fines
Pittsburgh's Department of Permits, Licenses and Inspections enforces zoning by inspection; a rooster, over-limit flock, or unscreened, unsanitary coop is a zoning violation carrying a notice to remedy, fines, and required removal of the animals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep chickens in Pittsburgh?
How many chickens can I have?
Are roosters allowed?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Pittsburgh
How Pittsburgh compares: Best Cities for Backyard Chickens·Compare Pittsburgh to another location·View the Pennsylvania animal ordinances overview
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