Can I keep chickens in Wilkes-Barre, PA?
No — Wilkes-Barre does not allow backyard chickens in residential zones. (Ch. 5, Article IV, Section 5-63, verified July 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | No |
|---|---|
| Code section | Ch. 5, Article IV, Section 5-63 |
Wilkes-Barre expressly prohibits keeping farm animals, including chickens, anywhere within city limits; the ordinance exempts only domestic dogs, cats and birds. Violators face fines up to $1,000 and must remove the animals within 30 days. Backyard chickens are not permitted.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Wilkes-Barre?
No — chickens are not allowed in Wilkes-Barre (Ch. 5, Article IV, Section 5-63).
What law covers backyard chickens in Wilkes-Barre?
Ch. 5, Article IV, Section 5-63. Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Ch. 5, Article IV, Section 5-63 — read the official code
“It shall be unlawful for any resident of the City of Wilkes-Barre to harbor any animals which are common to farms, including, but not limited to chickens, goats, etc. within the city limits ... This prohibition ... does not include or apply to domestic dogs, cats or birds.” 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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