Interested in raising hens in Philadelphia? As of mid-2025, the city still bans most backyard chickens—but momentum for change is growing. This guide walks you through the current legal framework, ongoing reform efforts, enforcement realities, and practical guidance if you’re considering joining the movement.
1. What the Law Currently Says
Philadelphia’s current code classifies hens as “farm animals,” meaning they’re generally prohibited in residential neighborhoods. The sole exception allows farm animals—including chickens—on parcels of at least three acres. Smaller lots must not host fowl, effectively making backyard chickens illegal within most city limits.:contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
2. Past and Ongoing Legislative Efforts
Over the past several years, multiple bills have attempted to overturn the ban:
- In 2019, Councilmember Bobby Henon introduced legislation to allow hens—but it never moved forward.:contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
- In 2022, Councilmember Curtis Jones Jr. reintroduced a bill to permit up to six hens per household in an enclosed coop (minimum 1 sq ft per hen + a 2 sq ft run), excluding roosters. This legislation also stalled.:contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
- In 2025, a third effort was launched—though not yet passed—to lift the longstanding ban and legalize modest backyard hen ownership.:contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
3. Enforcement Reality on the Ground
Despite the ban, thousands of Philadelphians keep chickens discreetly. Observational data suggests a surge in backyard flocks during and after the pandemic, especially among urban gardeners and self-sufficiency advocates.:contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
Enforcement tends to be reactive. For example, a resident in North Philly built a coop in her community garden and started receiving visits from Animal Control and L&I—she was technically violating the law.:contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
Public intent and peer support often outweigh enforcement unless issues arise or neighbors report violations.:contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
4. Proposed Future Rules (If Legalized)
If legislation passes, approved conditions resemble rules from other U.S. cities:
- Up to 6 hens per household
- No roosters allowed
- Coop must be fully enclosed with minimum of 1 square foot per hen and an adjoining run of at least 2 square feet per hen:contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
5. Summary Table
| Category | Current Status | Reform Proposal |
|---|---|---|
| General Legality | Not permitted in city (unless on ≥3-acre land) | Legalize with limits to hens only |
| Maximum Birds | None permitted | Up to 6 hens allowed |
| Roosters | Prohibited | Still excluded |
| Coop Requirements | None | 1 sq ft coop + 2 sq ft run per hen |
| Enforcement | Occasionally enforced via complaints or inspections | Would likely include permits or at least notification |
6. Why Change Is Gaining Traction
- Food access & sustainability: Many advocates see backyard hens as a tool for local resilience and education.
- Garden integration: Urban gardeners often use chickens for pest control, fertilization, and ecosystem balance.
- Neighborhood value: In many cases, chickens are embraced—roles like egg-sharing foster community, versus conflict.:contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}
7. If You’re Keeping or Planning to Keep Chickens in Philly
- Know the risks—unless laws change, keeping chickens is risky even if enforcement is rare.
- Keep flocks small, quiet, and discreet to reduce complaint risks.
- Stay engaged—join local backyard chicken groups, petition efforts, or communicate with your councilmember.
- Build support—offer eggs, educate curious neighbors, and demonstrate responsible care.
- Stay informed—monitor new legislation and speak up if bills limiting or allowing hens appear.
8. Final Thoughts
As of mid-2025, Philadelphia still bans backyard chickens in most areas—but community efforts continue building momentum for change. If passed, reform would likely allow hens under strict coop, run, and noise regulations. Until then, residents considering chickens should proceed cautiously, stay community-minded, and use civic channels to support legislation and public awareness.