Allow backyard chickens in Canonsburg, PA
The Issue
In 2021, many residents of Canonsburg, PA, including myself, embraced the joy and responsibility of raising chickens. At that time, we were permitted to keep up to five chickens — no roosters allowed — on our properties. It was a wonderful opportunity to engage in sustainable living, educate our children on responsibility, and enjoy fresh eggs.
However, in a surprising turn of events, during the May 2023 Canonsburg council meeting, changes to these regulations were uncovered. Rather inexplicably, the previous ordinance allowing residents to keep chickens vanished from the books. Once the regulation returned, the allowance to keep any chickens was entirely revoked, without any clear explanation from the council. This unexpected change has affected many local families who depend on raising chickens not only as a source of food but as a cherished part of their daily lives.
We believe that the original ordinance permitting up to five chickens should be reinstated. Keeping chickens has proven benefits, both educational and economical. It can teach children about animal care, responsibility, and our food systems, while also offering access to fresh, organic eggs. For many, these chickens help manage household finances by reducing grocery bills, and they are an environmental asset by helping control insects and turning food waste into compost.
Neighboring communities have successfully implemented guidelines for backyard chickens and have seen no significant issues arise from such practices. With proper regulations in place, such as ensuring coops are maintained to control noise and odor, backyard chickens can be a harmonious addition to our community.
We urge the Canonsburg Borough Council to listen to its residents and reconsider the decision to ban backyard chickens. Let's work together to find a balanced solution that respects both property rights and community harmony.
Please join me in calling on the Canonsburg Borough Council to reinstate the permit for keeping backyard chickens. Sign this petition to show your support!
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The Issue
In 2021, many residents of Canonsburg, PA, including myself, embraced the joy and responsibility of raising chickens. At that time, we were permitted to keep up to five chickens — no roosters allowed — on our properties. It was a wonderful opportunity to engage in sustainable living, educate our children on responsibility, and enjoy fresh eggs.
However, in a surprising turn of events, during the May 2023 Canonsburg council meeting, changes to these regulations were uncovered. Rather inexplicably, the previous ordinance allowing residents to keep chickens vanished from the books. Once the regulation returned, the allowance to keep any chickens was entirely revoked, without any clear explanation from the council. This unexpected change has affected many local families who depend on raising chickens not only as a source of food but as a cherished part of their daily lives.
We believe that the original ordinance permitting up to five chickens should be reinstated. Keeping chickens has proven benefits, both educational and economical. It can teach children about animal care, responsibility, and our food systems, while also offering access to fresh, organic eggs. For many, these chickens help manage household finances by reducing grocery bills, and they are an environmental asset by helping control insects and turning food waste into compost.
Neighboring communities have successfully implemented guidelines for backyard chickens and have seen no significant issues arise from such practices. With proper regulations in place, such as ensuring coops are maintained to control noise and odor, backyard chickens can be a harmonious addition to our community.
We urge the Canonsburg Borough Council to listen to its residents and reconsider the decision to ban backyard chickens. Let's work together to find a balanced solution that respects both property rights and community harmony.
Please join me in calling on the Canonsburg Borough Council to reinstate the permit for keeping backyard chickens. Sign this petition to show your support!
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Petition created on July 18, 2026