Can I keep chickens in Scranton, PA?
Yes, with conditions — Scranton allows chickens only in certain zones or lot configurations. Coops must be at least 15 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (Codified Ordinances Ch. 169 (Animals), Section 169-6, verified July 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Conditional (zone / lot rules) |
|---|---|
| Coop setback | 15 ft |
| Coop rules | Fowl may not be confined or nesting within 15 feet of any dwelling; removal may be ordered within 48 hours of notice, typically upon a neighbor's written complaint. |
| Code section | Codified Ordinances Ch. 169 (Animals), Section 169-6 |
Scranton sets no numeric hen limit; instead it regulates fowl by distance. Under Section 169-6 (Proximity of fowl to dwellings), the Director of the Office of Public Health may order any chickens, ducks, geese, guinea fowl, turkeys, pigeons or other domestic fowl confined or nesting within 15 feet of any dwelling to be removed within 48 hours, generally in response to a written complaint. Keeping fowl is thus effectively conditioned on maintaining a 15-foot separation from dwellings.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Scranton?
Yes, with conditions — Scranton allows chickens only in certain zones or situations (Codified Ordinances Ch. 169 (Animals), Section 169-6).
How many chickens can I keep in Scranton?
It depends on your lot. No numeric hen limit in code. Section 169-6 is a distance rule: fowl may not be confined or nesting within 15 ft of any dwelling; the Director of Public Health may order removal within 48 hours of notice, usually on a neighbor's written complaint.. Rules vary by zoning district — check the full summary for your zone.
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in Scranton?
15 feet minimum. Fowl may not be confined or nesting within 15 feet of any dwelling; removal may be ordered within 48 hours of notice, typically upon a neighbor's written complaint.
What law covers backyard chickens in Scranton?
Codified Ordinances Ch. 169 (Animals), Section 169-6. Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Codified Ordinances Ch. 169 (Animals), Section 169-6 — read the official code
“The Director of the Office of Public Health is authorized to notify all persons who shall keep or maintain chickens, ducks, geese, guinea fowl, turkeys, pigeons or other domestic fowl within the limits of the City which are confined or nesting in a space within 15 feet from any dwelling to remove the same within 48 hours after receipt of notice.” 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 →