Can I keep chickens in Lancaster, PA?
No — Lancaster does not allow backyard chickens in residential zones. (Chapter 96, Article III (Sections 96-21 to 96-31), verified July 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | No |
|---|---|
| Code section | Chapter 96, Article III (Sections 96-21 to 96-31) |
Lancaster's animal code enumerates the animals residents may keep, and poultry is expressly excluded from the permitted list (cage birds are allowed but the definition excludes poultry). Keeping animals other than the enumerated household pets is unlawful, so backyard chickens are not permitted. A 2015 effort to legalize up to six hens was rejected.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Lancaster?
No — chickens are not allowed in Lancaster (Chapter 96, Article III (Sections 96-21 to 96-31)).
What law covers backyard chickens in Lancaster?
Chapter 96, Article III (Sections 96-21 to 96-31). Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Chapter 96, Article III (Sections 96-21 to 96-31) — read the official code
“Cage birds (the term includes parakeets, parrots, canaries, finches, lovebirds, myna birds and other birds ordinarily keep in cages in households; it excludes wild birds captured or rescued and kept in cages, as well as poultry)” 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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