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Old 06-25-2014, 10:21 AM
 
22 posts, read 63,862 times
Reputation: 11

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Hello everyone--

Wondering if anyone can tell me what the laws are for owning farm animals (e.g. goats, chickens, pigs) in the Philly suburbs, primarily in Delaware, Montgomery, and Chester counties. We are hoping to buy a house with at least an acre, acre and a half, in the next couple of years in order to have space to rescue some farm animals. Not a lot, maybe 2-3 goats and a few hens (no roosters), and possibly maybe a couple of pigs. I did some research on the internet and couldn't come up with much. Can anyone shed some light on this? Are people allowed to own such animals in residential areas so long as there is enough space to house them? Are permits required?

Media, Wayne, Newtown Square might all be options but we are open to anything just so long as we are within ~45 minutes from Philly. Any info would be helpful! They would not be for food or animal products at all, as they would be pets and become part of the family

Thanks!
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Old 06-25-2014, 12:00 PM
 
82 posts, read 159,974 times
Reputation: 45
Chester county is horse country (at least parts of it) so no problem at all....Much of the county is within or right around 45 min to the city.
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Old 06-25-2014, 06:21 PM
 
Location: NW Philly Burbs
2,430 posts, read 5,578,834 times
Reputation: 3417
I'd try to find the township/borough's ordinances online and search specifically for farm animal rules. I live in a borough, and there are MANY restrictions as to the number and type of animals permitted. I'm sure a township would be more lax.

The township next to me (in Montgomery Co.) requires a 5-acre minimum for any type of farm animal. Not sure if it distinguishes between an agricultural business and a "hobby" where animals are concerned.
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Old 06-25-2014, 06:32 PM
 
Location: Philaburbia
41,960 posts, read 75,167,069 times
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You need to check with the individual municipality's codes. Even within a municipality the zoning can vary.

I'm allowed to have two hens; no roosters. My neighbor has four hens, and so far no one's complained.
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Old 06-26-2014, 06:17 AM
 
22 posts, read 63,862 times
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Thanks everyone!
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Old 06-26-2014, 07:45 PM
 
Location: Manayunk
513 posts, read 799,068 times
Reputation: 1206
I live in West Chester and there are horse farms all over. Even next to the high school. I've also seen sheep, goats, cows, and once a donkey lol Id check the townships but from what I've seen Chester county had the most "farm" animals. Haven't seen any in Delaware county and I lived there for 15 years, so I don't know about there. Montgomery county has some of the strictest restrictions in the area in general.
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Old 06-28-2014, 11:43 AM
 
22 posts, read 63,862 times
Reputation: 11
Good to know! Thanks!
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