Can I keep chickens in DuBois, PA?
Yes, with conditions — DuBois allows chickens only in certain zones or lot configurations. Coops must be at least 10 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (Ch. 122, Art. III (Keeping of Certain Animals), Sections 122-11, 122-13B, verified July 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Conditional (zone / lot rules) |
|---|---|
| Permit required | No |
| Coop setback | 10 ft |
| Coop rules | Confine in an enclosure sufficient to prevent running at large, with adequate sanitary drainage; quarters no closer than 10 ft to any dwelling or property line; litter and droppings collected daily in a ratproof, flytight covered container; feed stored ratproof and flytight. |
| Code section | Ch. 122, Art. III (Keeping of Certain Animals), Sections 122-11, 122-13B |
DuBois classifies chickens and other domestic fowl as 'small animals' and permits keeping them subject to sanitation rules. Quarters must be no closer than 10 feet to any dwelling or property line, enclosed to prevent running at large, with ratproof/flytight litter and feed storage. The code sets no maximum number of birds, requires no permit, and does not separately address roosters.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in DuBois?
Yes, with conditions — DuBois allows chickens only in certain zones or situations (Ch. 122, Art. III (Keeping of Certain Animals), Sections 122-11, 122-13B).
How many chickens can I keep in DuBois?
It depends on your lot. Chickens classified as 'small animals' and allowed with sanitation rules and a 10-ft setback from any dwelling or property line. No numeric cap, permit, or per-square-foot formula in the ordinance.. Rules vary by zoning district — check the full summary for your zone.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in DuBois?
No — no permit is required for the base allowance in DuBois.
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in DuBois?
10 feet minimum. Confine in an enclosure sufficient to prevent running at large, with adequate sanitary drainage; quarters no closer than 10 ft to any dwelling or property line; litter and droppings collected daily in a ratproof, flytight covered container; feed stored ratproof and flytight.
What law covers backyard chickens in DuBois?
Ch. 122, Art. III (Keeping of Certain Animals), Sections 122-11, 122-13B. Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Ch. 122, Art. III (Keeping of Certain Animals), Sections 122-11, 122-13B — read the official code
“SMALL ANIMAL - Any wild or domestic animal, such as a rabbit, hare, guinea pig, rat, mouse, or chinchilla; and any wild or domestic fowl, such as a chicken, turkey, goose, duck or pigeon (excepting homing pigeons).” source
“Small animals shall be kept confined in quarters no part of which shall be closer than 10 feet from the exterior limits of any dwelling or of any property line.” 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 →