Chicken Laws by County in New Jersey

Raising chickens in New Jersey? Whether you’re in a suburban neighborhood or a more rural township, backyard poultry is on the rise—and for good reason. Fresh eggs, sustainable living, and a closer connection to your food are all within reach. But here’s the key: chicken laws in New Jersey are set by municipalities, not at the state level.

That means the rules can vary wildly from town to town—even within the same county. This guide breaks down chicken laws by county in New Jersey to help you stay legal, avoid fines, and get started the right way.

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Are Chickens Legal in New Jersey?

Direct answer: Yes, backyard chickens are legal in many parts of New Jersey, but specific rules—such as how many hens you can have, whether roosters are allowed, and if permits are required—are set by local towns or cities, not by the state or county.

Here’s what you’ll commonly run into:

• Hen limits (usually 4–10 birds in residential zones)

• Roosters banned in most populated areas

• Setback rules for coops and runs

• Permit or registration requirements

• Zoning restrictions in densely populated suburbs

Need help designing your coop to meet local space rules? Use the chicken coop calculator for a fast, custom layout that keeps you compliant.

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Chicken Laws by County in New Jersey

Here’s a county-by-county breakdown of backyard chicken laws across the Garden State. Keep in mind: rules are set by town, so always double-check with your municipality’s zoning or code enforcement office.

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Bergen County

Direct answer: Some towns allow chickens, but many densely populated municipalities prohibit them or require special permits.

Details:

• Hackensack and Teaneck do not allow backyard chickens.

• Mahwah permits backyard hens with certain lot size requirements.

• Wyckoff and Franklin Lakes allow chickens with limits (e.g., 6 hens, no roosters).

• Coops must follow strict setback and cleanliness guidelines.

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Essex County

Direct answer: Most cities prohibit chickens, but some suburban towns are more flexible with permits and zoning approvals.

Details:

• Newark and East Orange do not permit backyard chickens.

• Montclair allows chickens in residential zones with a permit; up to 4 hens and no roosters.

• Maplewood and West Orange allow chickens with conditions, including minimum lot sizes and coop regulations.

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Hudson County

Direct answer: Chickens are largely prohibited due to high-density zoning.

Details:

• Cities like Jersey City, Union City, and Hoboken do not currently allow backyard poultry.

• There may be ongoing discussions in some areas, but ordinances remain restrictive for now.

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Middlesex County

Direct answer: Chicken laws vary by town, with more suburban areas allowing hens under certain conditions.

Details:

• New Brunswick and Edison restrict or prohibit chickens in residential zones.

• Old Bridge and East Brunswick allow hens with zoning compliance and permit applications.

• Monroe Township permits chickens on properties zoned for agriculture or with enough land.

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Monmouth County

Direct answer: Many towns allow backyard chickens, particularly in low-density zones.

Details:

• Freehold Township permits chickens with 4–6 hen limits and no roosters.

• Howell, Colts Neck, and Holmdel are chicken-friendly, especially on larger lots.

• Coops must be clean, odor-free, and meet minimum distance from property lines.

Use the chicken coop calculator to see how much space you need based on your local code.

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Ocean County

Direct answer: Chickens are generally allowed in more rural areas, but urban zones often prohibit them.

Details:

• Lakewood does not allow chickens in standard residential zones.

• Toms River permits chickens on properties zoned R-150 or agricultural.

• Jackson Township and Manchester support backyard flocks with reasonable coop and flock-size restrictions.

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Union County

Direct answer: Most towns restrict backyard chickens, but a few allow them with permits.

Details:

• Elizabeth and Plainfield do not allow poultry in residential areas.

• Cranford and Westfield allow chickens with special use permits or under certain lot sizes.

• Roosters are universally banned across Union County towns that do allow chickens.

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Morris County

Direct answer: Many towns in Morris County are chicken-friendly, especially with medium to large residential lots.

Details:

• Morristown permits chickens with a cap of 6 hens; no roosters allowed.

• Randolph, Denville, and Chester permit backyard chickens with standard zoning compliance.

• Coops must be set back 15–25 feet from homes and maintained in sanitary condition.

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Somerset County

Direct answer: Most towns allow backyard chickens with limitations on flock size and coop placement.

Details:

• Bridgewater and Hillsborough allow backyard hens; roosters are prohibited.

• Bernardsville and Bound Brook have guidelines requiring permits and proper coop maintenance.

• Agricultural zones face fewer restrictions.

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Camden County

Direct answer: Some towns allow backyard chickens, especially in suburban and rural neighborhoods.

Details:

• Camden City does not allow chickens in residential areas.

• Cherry Hill allows hens with a limit of 4 and no roosters. A permit may be required.

• Voorhees and Berlin Township allow chickens with zoning compliance and coop rules.

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Gloucester County

Direct answer: Chickens are widely permitted, particularly in townships with rural zoning.

Details:

• Washington Township and Deptford allow up to 6 hens with proper coop maintenance.

• Monroe and Mantua enforce lot size minimums and restrict roosters.

• Coops must be setback at least 15–20 feet from any neighboring structure.

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Atlantic County

Direct answer: Chickens are allowed in many towns, though urban areas like Atlantic City have more restrictions.

Details:

• Atlantic City restricts chickens in most residential zones.

• Egg Harbor Township, Galloway, and Hammonton permit backyard flocks with appropriate spacing and coop cleanliness standards.

• No permits are usually needed in agricultural zones.

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Burlington County

Direct answer: Backyard chickens are legal and popular in many towns, especially those with agricultural zoning.

Details:

• Mount Laurel and Evesham permit hens on lots over a specific size (usually 0.5 acres or more).

• Medford and Southampton are chicken-friendly with minimal restrictions in rural zones.

• Roosters are commonly banned in residential neighborhoods.

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Cape May, Cumberland, Salem Counties

Direct answer: Backyard chickens are widely accepted in these southern counties, with minimal restrictions outside town centers.

Details:

• Bridgeton, Millville, and Vineland allow chickens, typically up to 6 hens, with setback rules.

• Coops must be secure and sanitary.

• In more rural areas, such as Upper Township, Maurice River, and Pittsgrove, chickens are part of normal property use and face very few limits.

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Common Chicken Ordinances Across New Jersey

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Tips to Keep Your Backyard Chickens Legal in New Jersey

Here’s how to stay in compliance and avoid trouble with neighbors or your town:

• Always check your town’s municipal code—don’t assume based on your county.

• Get a permit if required, especially in suburban and urban areas.

• Avoid roosters unless you live on rural/agricultural land.

• Respect coop setback rules—place your coop at least 15–25 feet from homes or property lines.

• Keep your setup clean and odor-free.

• Use a smart planning tool like the chicken coop calculator to ensure your coop meets legal and space requirements.

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Conclusion: Yes, You Can Raise Chickens in New Jersey—If You Know the Local Laws

From Bergen County to Cape May, raising chickens in New Jersey is totally doable—but only if you follow your municipality’s zoning laws and health codes. The key is to research first, build your coop smart, and respect your neighbors.

With a little planning, you can enjoy fresh eggs and feathered friends right in your backyard.

Ready to build your coop? Use the chicken coop calculator to figure out exactly how much space you need for your hens—and start your flock the right way.

Your chickens will thank you. And your town won’t fine you. That’s a win-win