Pittsburgh, PA Animal Ordinances: Livestock (2026)

Pittsburgh Zoning Code Title 9 governs livestock through the urban agriculture provisions adopted in 2015. Small livestock, defined as chickens, ducks, and dehorned goats, is permitted as an accessory use in residential zoning districts subject to lot-size minimums and animal counts. Two dehorned goats are allowed on lots of at least 2,000 sq ft, with no additional goats permitted until the lot reaches 10,000 sq ft. Larger livestock including horses, cattle, pigs, and sheep are not permitted in residential zones. Animals must be confined to the property at all times, with shelters that meet accessory-structure setback requirements. All animal enclosures must be maintained in sanitary condition, and waste must be composted or removed regularly to avoid nuisance complaints. City Code Title 6, Chapter 635 (Other Animals and Fowl) prohibits allowing animals to roam at large and addresses animal-drawn vehicles. The PA Right to Farm Act (3 Pa.C.S. Chapter 3) protects qualifying agricultural operations from nuisance complaints, but standard residential lots in Pittsburgh rarely qualify due to minimum-acreage thresholds. A $70 zoning permit and site plan must be filed with the Department of City Planning before keeping any livestock.