Can I keep chickens in Altoona, PA?
Yes, with conditions — Altoona allows chickens only in certain zones or lot configurations. (Zoning Ch. 800, Sections 800-30 (Accessory Use Table) and 800-40 (Farming), verified July 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Conditional (zone / lot rules) |
|---|---|
| Coop rules | Zoning defines chicken coop (must be completely enclosed) and chicken run, but no residential keeping standard is provided. |
| Code section | Zoning Ch. 800, Sections 800-30 (Accessory Use Table) and 800-40 (Farming) |
Altoona zoning does not list keeping chickens as a permitted accessory use. The Accessory Use Table (Section 800-30) permits only 'Keeping of household pets,' and farming/animal operations are permitted only where the underlying zoning district allows agriculture (Section 800-40). Chickens are therefore not a by-right use in standard residential districts; keeping them depends on the specific district and any agricultural allowance.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Altoona?
Yes, with conditions — Altoona allows chickens only in certain zones or situations (Zoning Ch. 800, Sections 800-30 (Accessory Use Table) and 800-40 (Farming)).
How many chickens can I keep in Altoona?
It depends on your lot. Not a listed residential accessory use. Accessory Use Table permits only 'Keeping of household pets'; agricultural/animal operations allowed only where the zoning district permits farming. No by-right hen count for residential lots.. Rules vary by zoning district — check the full summary for your zone.
What law covers backyard chickens in Altoona?
Zoning Ch. 800, Sections 800-30 (Accessory Use Table) and 800-40 (Farming). Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Zoning Ch. 800, Sections 800-30 (Accessory Use Table) and 800-40 (Farming) — read the official code
“Accessory Use Table lists 'Keeping of household pets' as the only animal-keeping accessory use; no keeping-of-chickens entry appears.” source
“Customary agricultural operation, farming, nurseries, greenhouses, riding academies, livery and boarding stables, kennels, and animal hospitals are regulated by the applicable zoning district.” source
Last verified July 5, 2026. Always confirm with your municipality — HOA rules can be stricter than city code. How we verify →
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