Council adopts chicken ordinance: limits hens, sets setbacks and permit fee
September 21, 2026 | Washington, Franklin County, Pennsylvania
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The council adopted an ordinance amending Chapter 205 (Article 4, Section 205.320) to create specific standards for keeping chickens in the city. Staff explained the draft ordinance was modeled on surrounding communities and would give police clearer authority to handle repeat nuisance complaints.
Key provisions include a 7,500-square-foot minimum lot area, coops located at least 50 feet from any dwelling unit and 10 feet from property lines, a limit of six hens (no roosters), a $25 permit processed by the police department, and a 60-day compliance window to allow existing keepers to come into conformance. Council approved the ordinance on second reading (Ordinance 7G).
Key provisions include a 7,500-square-foot minimum lot area, coops located at least 50 feet from any dwelling unit and 10 feet from property lines, a limit of six hens (no roosters), a $25 permit processed by the police department, and a 60-day compliance window to allow existing keepers to come into conformance. Council approved the ordinance on second reading (Ordinance 7G).
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