| Are chickens allowed in Bethlehem? | Yes |
| How many chickens can you have? | Up to 12 |
| Can you have roosters in Bethlehem? | No |
| Chicken coop placement rules: | At least 50 feet from any lot line, 100 feet from the nearest dwelling, excluding the owner’s, and in the rear yard. |
| Application process: | Permit may be required |
| More information: | Bethlehem City Code |
Embarking on the captivating journey of raising chickens within Bethlehem’s limits demands a comprehensive understanding of the specific guidelines and obligations.
- Number of Chickens: Residents can keep up to 12 chickens in their backyard.
- Rear Yard Requirement: Chickens must be kept exclusively in the property’s rear yard. It is important to confine the chickens to this designated area.
- No roosters are allowed in the city.
- Noncommercial Basis Only: Chickens must be kept on a noncommercial basis. This means backyard chicken keeping is only for personal use and not for commercial purposes.
- Enclosure and Containment: Chickens must be kept within an enclosure that effectively contains them. The enclosure should prevent chickens from causing a nuisance, such as wandering into neighboring properties.
- Distance Regulations: The coop or enclosure where the chickens are kept must be at least 50 feet from any lot line. It should not be closer than 100 feet to the nearest dwelling, excluding the owner’s residence. These distance regulations help maintain privacy and mitigate potential disturbances.
- Avoiding Nuisances and Hazards: It is essential to keep fowl in a manner that does not create a serious nuisance, including noise or smell. Moreover, keeping chickens should not pose a health or safety hazard. Being mindful of the well-being of both the chickens and the surrounding community is crucial.
Be proactive in obtaining the most up-to-date information on backyard chicken regulations in Bethlehem by contacting city officials directly.
Start Raising Chickens
See other Pennsylvania chicken ordinances.
Last updated: 4/24/24