Food Systems | Urban Livestock

This model ordinance, shared by the Chester County Planning Commission in Pennsylvania, addresses the raising and keeping of chickens on a noncommercial basis at a residential property. It is written for Pennsylvania townships and is more restrictive than other approaches as it imposes a minimum lot size of 1 acre and applies a special exemption process, which includes a public hearing requirement. Commentary suggests that rural municipalities may choose to permit backyard chickens as a by-right use subject to listed conditions to avoid the additional costs of special exception applications.