Can I keep chickens in Hazleton, PA?
Yes, with conditions — Hazleton allows chickens only in certain zones or lot configurations (up to 10 hens where permitted). Coops must be at least 75 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (Section 138-17 (Farm animals), subsection B, verified July 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Conditional (zone / lot rules) |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | 10 |
| Coop setback | 75 ft |
| Minimum lot size | 40,000 sq ft |
| Home slaughter | Allowed with restrictions |
| Coop rules | Pen, shelter or enclosure set no closer than 75 ft to the front lot line and no closer than 75 ft to any side or rear line; owner must prevent all odors, animal waste and insect infestation. |
| Code section | Section 138-17 (Farm animals), subsection B |
Hazleton permits keeping (and slaughtering) poultry, defined to include chickens, only on lots of 40,000 square feet or more, capped at 10 birds per 40,000 sq ft. The pen/shelter must be at least 75 feet from the front lot line and 75 feet from any side or rear line. The threshold excludes typical city lots, so chickens are legal only on large-lot properties.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Hazleton?
Yes, with conditions — Hazleton allows chickens only in certain zones or situations (Section 138-17 (Farm animals), subsection B).
How many chickens can I keep in Hazleton?
Up to 10 hens. Poultry allowed only on lots >= 40,000 sq ft; max 10 birds per 40,000 sq ft. Effectively prohibited on standard residential lots.. Rules vary by zoning district — check the full summary for your zone.
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in Hazleton?
75 feet minimum. Pen, shelter or enclosure set no closer than 75 ft to the front lot line and no closer than 75 ft to any side or rear line; owner must prevent all odors, animal waste and insect infestation.
Is there a minimum lot size for chickens in Hazleton?
Yes — 40,000 sq ft.
Can I slaughter chickens at home in Hazleton?
Yes, with restrictions — see the city's rules in Section 138-17 (Farm animals), subsection B.
What law covers backyard chickens in Hazleton?
Section 138-17 (Farm animals), subsection B. Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Section 138-17 (Farm animals), subsection B — read the official code
“The keeping, maintaining or slaughtering of poultry (i.e., ducks, chickens, swans, geese, turkeys, guinea fowl, pheasants, pea fowl and pigeons) shall be permitted only on a lot with a land area equivalent to 40,000 square feet or more.” source
“In no event shall more than 10 poultry birds be permitted on each 40,000 square feet of area.” source
Last verified July 5, 2026. Always confirm with your municipality — HOA rules can be stricter than city code. How we verify →
Reach people actively researching backyard chickens in their city. Founding sponsor slots now open.
Apply to become a sponsor →