Lower Makefield Township is considering an ordinance that would allow residents to keep hens — but not roosters — on properties of at least a half-acre, with limits of five chickens for lots between up to two acres and 10 for lots between two and five acres, all for personal use only. Permit-holders would need to maintain clean, secure coops (minimum four square feet) within enclosures (minimum 12 square feet), meet setback requirements, and avoid offensive odors or excessive noise. The township code enforcement officer can revoke permits and order removal of chickens after three verified complaints in a year, under the proposal. The planning commission recommended the ordinance 3-1, though it still needs supervisors’ approval before taking effect.
Source: Bucks County Herald; 3/17/2026