Are Chickens Allowed in New Jersey?

BySusan Medlin

The short answer is: **maybe**. In New Jersey, whether you can keep backyard chickens depends heavily on where you live — the city or township, local ordinances, zoning, homeowners’ associations (HOAs), etc. Some municipalities explicitly allow hens under certain conditions; others prohibit them. Here’s a full breakdown of what I found, what common rules are, and what you should check for your specific location.

How It Works in NJ: Local Rules Matter Most

  • There is **no statewide law** in New Jersey that universally allows or bans backyard chickens. It’s up to each municipality (city, borough, township) to set its own rules. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
  • Since rules vary a lot, things like how many chickens, whether roosters are allowed, coop location, and whether a license or permit is needed will differ from town to town. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
  • Many places that do allow backyard chickens require a permit or license, inspections, setback requirements (how far the coop has to be from property lines or neighboring homes), and sanitation requirements. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
  • Roosters are often banned in many municipalities due to noise. Only hens are allowed in many of the enabling ordinances. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
  • HOAs or neighborhood covenants may add further restrictions even if the municipality allows chickens. Some towns explicitly require homeowner’s association permission. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}

Some Examples of NJ Municipalities & Their Rules

Here are a few towns (that I found) and what their rules look like, to give you a feel for what’s typical:

  • Evesham Township: Has a chapter in its code titled *Standards for Keeping Chickens on Residential Property*. Chickens (hens only) are allowed with licensing, and the number of chickens is tied to lot size. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
  • Westampton Township: Requires an annual license, coop/run in rear yard only, setbacks (e.g. 10 ft from property line, 15 ft from neighbor’s dwelling), coop size limits (not to exceed certain height and square footage). :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
  • Fair Lawn Borough: Has a “Keeping of Chickens” ordinance. Requires licensing; after Dec 31, 2022, roosters are not allowed. Annual inspections. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
  • Freehold Borough: Requires a residential chicken permit. Rules include no roosters, no on-site slaughtering, no selling of eggs, coop size/location requirements. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
  • Mourne Ephraim (Mount Ephraim?): Has a municipal code for Backyard Chickens; license required. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}
  • Voorhees Township: Has a permanent program for backyard hens, subject to ordinance standards. :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}
  • Hampton Borough: Requires licensing to keep chickens; must pay required fee, meet criteria in the ordinance. :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}

Common Requirements in NJ Municipalities That Allow Chickens

If your town allows chickens, here are rules you often will see. These are not universal, but are common:

  • Only **hens** allowed (no roosters). :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}
  • License or permit is required. Sometimes annual renewal. :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}
  • Setbacks: coop/run must be a certain minimum distance from property lines, neighboring homes, public areas, etc. :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}
  • No roaming chickens — they must be contained in a coop/run or fenced enclosure. :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}
  • Sanitation, coop structure (flooring, ventilation, protection), food/water storage in rodent-proof containers. :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}
  • Restrictions on number of chickens based on lot size. Larger lot → more chickens. :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}
  • No sale of eggs or poultry in many places. Some towns prohibit selling eggs from backyard chickens. :contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}
  • No slaughtering of chickens on property. :contentReference[oaicite:19]{index=19}

What You Should Do to Find Out if You’re Allowed

If you’re thinking about keeping chickens in New Jersey, here’s a step-by-step so you can find out what’s allowed at your specific address:

  1. Check your **municipality’s code** (city, township, borough). Sometimes this is online under “animal control,” “livestock,” “chickens,” or “poultry.”
  2. Look up zoning for your property. See if your zone is residential, agricultural, or has restrictions for accessory structures.
  3. Find out if there’s a permit or license required. If so, what the process is (fee, distance requirements, coop design, etc.).
  4. Check for HOA rules or deed restrictions — they may ban chickens even if the municipal code allows them.
  5. Talk to your neighbors, especially if coops will be close to property lines — can prevent complaints.

Summary

Yes — chickens *can* be allowed in New Jersey, *but it depends entirely on where you are.* In many towns, it’s legal with permits, only hens, coop rules, and restrictions. In other places, it’s not allowed at all. There is no uniform statewide law permitting or banning chickens.

If you tell me which city or zip code in New Jersey you’re asking about (e.g. Newark, Clifton, Edison, etc.), I can look up whether chickens are allowed there and what the specific rules are for your location.