Delaware County, PA Animal Ordinances: Chickens & Livestock (2026)
Key Facts
- County rule
- None: municipal zoning
- Authority
- MPC, Act 247 (53 P.S. §10101)
- Who decides
- Your borough or township
- Typical urban Delco
- Poultry often prohibited
- Check with
- Municipal zoning officer
Summary
Delaware County sets no rule on backyard chickens or livestock: this is municipal zoning. Each of the 49 boroughs and townships decides whether hens are permitted, how many, and setbacks. Densely built areas like Upper Darby generally prohibit poultry; check your municipal zoning code.
The governing body of each municipality, in accordance with the conditions and procedures set forth in this act, may enact, amend and repeal zoning ordinances to implement comprehensive plans and to accomplish any of the purposes of this act.
Full Breakdown
Pennsylvania counties do not do land-use zoning; under the PA Municipalities Planning Code (Act 247, 53 P.S. §10101 et seq.) that power belongs to each borough, township, and city. Whether you may keep chickens, ducks, goats, or other livestock, and any flock-size cap, coop setback, or ban on roosters, is set by your municipality's zoning ordinance, not by Delaware County. Suburban Delco municipalities vary widely: some inner boroughs bar all fowl, while more residential townships permit a limited number of hens on larger lots. The county's only animal-adjacent role is the Health Department (rabies/vector, on-lot sewage) and county park rules. Always confirm with your township zoning officer before building a coop.
Violations & Fines
Penalties are set by each municipality's zoning ordinance under the MPC, typically daily fines for a zoning violation and an order to remove non-permitted animals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep backyard chickens in Delaware County?
Does the county limit how many hens I can have?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Delaware County
How Delaware County compares: Best Cities for Backyard Chickens·Compare Delaware County to another location·View the Pennsylvania animal ordinances overview
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