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

Livestock, including but not limited to, horses, cows, goats, chickens and other poultry and fowl, indigenous or exotic wild animals such as opossums, skunks, raccoons, squirrels, and endangered, threatened and protected species, are strictly prohibited. See Chapter 141, Animals, of the Code of the City of Reading. PLACE OF WORSHIP — A building or group of buildings that is primarily used for regularly scheduled public assembly for religious purposes. PLANNING COMMISSION — The Planning Commission of the City of Reading, unless otherwise stated. PRINCIPAL BUILDING — The building in which the principal or main use of a lot is conducted. PRIVATE CLUB — Any building which serves as a meeting place for a selected membership together with any recreation and dining facilities located therein. PRIVATE ENERGY AND UTILITY PROVIDER — A principal use owned, operated and/or maintained by a private or independent utility company for the purpose of providing energy within a defined service area or grid system in accordance with the provisions established by the Public Utility Commission and the Public Utility Code. [Added 10-26-2015 by Ord. No. 58-2015] PRIVATE SURFACE PARKING FACILITY — Privately owned and operated parking facility with spaces available for short-term and long-term lease. PROPERTY — A lot. PROPERTY LINE — The perimeter line of a lot. PUBLIC CIVIC SPACE — Public or private outdoor space where the public is