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

Pittsburgh updated its urban agriculture zoning in 2015 under Zoning Code Title 9, Chapter 912 (Accessory Uses and Structures) to allow small-scale animal keeping in residential zones. The minimum lot size for keeping poultry is 2,000 square feet (including the building footprint). Residents may keep up to 5 chickens or ducks on a 2,000 sq ft lot, with 1 additional bird for each additional 1,000 sq ft. Roosters are strictly prohibited. Two dehorned goats are permitted on lots of at least 2,000 sq ft, but no additional goats are allowed unless the lot exceeds 10,000 sq ft. Animals must be sheltered in an enclosed structure set back from property lines and kept in sanitary conditions. Coops and enclosures must comply with setback requirements for accessory structures. A zoning permit ($70) plus a site plan is required before keeping any animals. The older City Code Title 6, Chapter 635 (Other Animals and Fowl) remains in effect for enforcement of at-large violations: owners may not allow chickens or fowl to roam off their property (Section 635.02).