Can I Have Chickens In My Backyard in New Jersey?

You’ve been imagining your flock and the perfect coop when it hits you: can you even keep chickens in your backyard? Instead of enjoying pictures of Silkies, Orpingtons, and Brahmas, you find yourself sifting through confusing legal language.

This guide breaks down which New Jersey cities and towns allow backyard chickens and the requirements you need to follow. It also covers every county in the state with the right offices to contact for clear answers in your area.

Is It Legal to Have Chickens in Your Backyard in New Jersey?

It depends on where you live. For example, the city of Clifton allows them, but in Paterson, they are not permitted. 

Because backyard chicken laws vary by location, check with your local planning, zoning, or code enforcement office. To make things easier, we’ve outlined the rules for several New Jersey cities and towns, along with contact information for each county.

Do You Need A Permit For Chickens in New Jersey?

Yes, in most of New Jersey, you’ll need a permit to keep backyard chickens. To find out your area’s requirements, keep reading below to see what your city, town, or county officials have to say. 

How Many Chickens Can I Have in New Jersey?

This really depends on where you live. For example, Jersey City allows up to 50 chickens while Princeton only allows between 2 and 7 based on lot size. With such a wide range in allowed flock size, it’s essential to check with your local officials to see how many you can have. 

Can I Let My Chickens Free-Range in My Backyard?

No, nearly all areas in New Jersey require chickens to be kept in some sort of coop or fenced in enclosure.

To meet these requirements, The Hen House Collection offers custom coops built to your specifications so they comply with local size, style, and placement standards.

Can I Have A Rooster In My Backyard in New Jersey?

No, it’s typically strictly prohibited unless your property is over a certain number of acres or is zoned for agricultural use. If you’re interested in keeping roosters, check with your local officials to see what they allow. 

Can I Sell My Chicken Eggs in New Jersey?

Yes, you can, but you may need to register and confirm requirements with the New Jersey Department of Agriculture (NJDA). However, this all depends on how many you plan to sell and where you plan to sell them. Check out the NJDA’s website for more in-depth information on selling your chicken eggs in the state. 

Chicken Laws For Cities in New Jersey

Below is a chart of cities in New Jersey and their point of contact for more information on whether chickens are allowed. Click the city on the left side of the chart to be taken to the city’s regulation information. 

Does Bayonne, NJ, Allow Backyard Chickens?

No. Bayonne prohibits backyard chickens in all zones, including residential, commercial, and industrial. Contact the Planning & Zoning Department if you would like to see this change.

Does Brick, NJ, Allow Backyard Chickens?

Brick does not allow chickens unless they are kept in a coop or enclosure. Additional limits on number, coop size, and placement may apply. Contact the Planning Department to confirm.

Does Camden, NJ, Allow Backyard Chickens?

It’s unclear, but since chickens aren’t allowed as pets, they likely aren’t permitted. Contact the Planning & Development Department for clarification.

Does Cherry Hill, NJ, Allow Backyard Chickens?

No specific regulations exist. Chickens are not outright prohibited, but they cannot create a nuisance for nearby residents. For clarification on what is allowed, contact the Planning Department.

Does Clifton, NJ, Allow Backyard Chickens?

Yes, with a license from the Health Department. The license is only granted if:

• They are kept in a suitable, durable coop
• No more than five chickens may be kept
• Coop must not create a nuisance for neighbors
• Coop must be located 25 feet from adjacent property lines

For zoning compliance and coop permitting, contact the Planning Department.

Does East Orange, NJ, Allow Backyard Chickens?

Unclear. The city code of East Orange does not mention backyard chickens. Please contact Planning & Development for clarification on what they allow.

Does Edison, NJ, Allow Backyard Chickens?

Yes, with approval from the zoning and health officers, along with a license from the Division of Licenses. Approvals and licensing will only be issued if:

• Chickens are kept in a coop or run
• All coops have concrete floors
• Coops and runs must be located:
  • 50 feet from neighboring dwellings
  • 200 feet from any food or dining establishments
  • 10 feet from any property line

The exact number of chickens you can keep is unclear. Contact the Planning & Zoning Department for more information.

Does Elizabeth, NJ, Allow Backyard Chickens?

Yes, but the following regulations must be followed:

• Chickens must be located 150 feet from any nearby residence
• No more than 25 chickens can be kept without a license

Additional requirements likely apply, so be sure to contact the Planning Department to ensure compliance.

Does Franklin Township, NJ, Allow Backyard Chickens?

Yes, but there are certain limitations, including:

• No more than 12 chickens may be kept in a backyard at one time 
• Coop placement and setbacks must comply with zoning regulations for accessory structures in your zoning districts

To ensure compliance with zoning regulations, contact the Planning & Zoning Department.

Does Hamilton, NJ, Allow Backyard Chickens?

Yes, chickens are allowed in the Rural Resource Section (RRS) zone, under the following provisions:

• Up to 100 chickens are permitted per acre
• The chicken coop must be 200 feet off the property line

For details on any other rules, check with the Planning Department.

Does Hampton, NJ, Allow Backyard Chickens?

Yes, backyard chickens are permitted with a license from the Municipal Clerk’s office. This license certifies that:

• Your lot is at least ¼ acre
• Chickens are kept in a coop or enclosure located in the rear yard only
• No more than six chickens are kept on properties of ¼ acre
  • 2 more chickens allowed for each additional ¼ acre
• No roosters are being kept
• The chicken coop is no larger than 150 square feet or 15 feet tall
• The coop is 15 feet from the dwelling on the property and meets placement and setback requirements for accessory structures in the zoning district
• Coop offers adequate protection from predators
• Coop provides at least 3 square feet per chicken

Contact the Zoning Department to ensure compliance with zoning regulations and obtain the required license from the municipal clerk. 

Does Jackson Township, NJ, Allow Backyard Chickens?

It is unclear; it likely varies depending on your zoning district. Contact the Planning & Zoning Department to find out if you can keep chickens in your backyard.

Does Jersey City, NJ, Allow Backyard Chickens?

Yes, with the proper license, you can keep up to 50 chickens in a coop located at least 25 feet from any neighboring residence. Be sure to visit City Planning to obtain the required license. 

Does Lakewood, NJ, Allow Backyard Chickens?

What is allowed is unclear; for clarification, contact the Planning Department. 

Does Middletown, NJ, Allow Backyard Chickens?

Rules aren’t clearly defined. Contact the Planning & Zoning Department to determine if backyard chickens are allowed. 

Does Newark, NJ, Allow Backyard Chickens?

Yes, backyard chickens may be kept with a permit from the Director of the Department of Health and Community Wellness. The following requirements are outlined to get permit approval:

• Chickens must be kept in a coop
• The coop must be thoroughly cleaned
• The coop must be located 20 feet from any dwelling
• Roosters are strictly prohibited

No minimum or maximum number of chickens is outlined. It’s essential to ensure that you comply with all applicable regulations. Contact the Planning & Zoning Department to determine how many chickens you can keep and ensure you adhere to all backyard chicken laws. 

Does Old Bridge, NJ, Allow Backyard Chickens?

Yes, chickens may be kept on single-family residential properties with less than 5 acres if a zoning permit is obtained from the zoning office. Permit approval is subject to the following requirements:

• 5 hens are permitted per 5,000 square feet of lot size
• No more than 15 hens are allowed in total
• No roosters are allowed
• Chickens are kept in a roofed-in enclosure or coop
• The coop must comply with your zoning district’s setback requirements
• The coop is only permitted in the rear yard

Contact the Planning & Zoning Department to obtain the proper permit and ensure compliance with setback and placement requirements for your coop.

Does Passaic, NJ, Allow Backyard Chickens?

It appears that backyard chickens may be permitted, but this is unclear. To find out if they are allowed, contact the Planning & Economic Development Department.

Does Paterson, NJ, Allow Backyard Chickens?

No, keeping chickens in the city of Paterson is strictly prohibited. If you want to see this change, contact the Planning & Zoning department.

Does Princeton, NJ, Allow Backyard Chickens?

Yes, you may keep backyard chickens as long as you meet the following requirements:

• Number of Chickens:

• They are kept in a coop that is:
  • 15 feet from any habitable dwelling 
  • 5 feet from property lines
  • No larger than 100 square feet

Be sure to inquire about permitting and additional requirements with the Department of Animal Control.

Does Toms River, NJ, Allow Backyard Chickens?

They may be permitted, but this is unclear. For the best answer to this question, contact the Planning & Zoning Department.

Does Trenton, NJ, Allow Backyard Chickens?

The city code makes no mention of backyard chickens. Contact the Inspections Division to inquire about their backyard chicken laws.

Does Union City, NJ, Allow Backyard Chickens?

Yes, but only with a permit from the Health Officer. Chickens must be housed in a proper coop, roosters are not allowed, and the flock cannot create a nuisance.

The ordinance does not specify a limit on the number of chickens or setbacks for coops, but such requirements, if applicable, must be followed. For clarification on the city’s standards, contact the Planning & Zoning Department.

Does Vineland, NJ, Allow Backyard Chickens?

It appears that they are not currently allowed. If you would like to see this change or want clarification on current requirements, contact the Zoning Department.

Does Woodbridge, NJ, Allow Backyard Chickens?

No, the city does not allow them. However, you can submit a special permit application for review and backyard chickens may be considered. Reach out to the Planning & Development Department to learn more about their backyard chicken laws.

Laws for Keeping Backyard Chickens in New Jersey By County

In most cases, you will need to refer to your city, township, or village zoning officials to determine if you can keep chickens in your backyard. However, if you reside in an unincorporated area, you may need to refer to county officials. 

Below is each county in New Jersey and the appropriate government contact to determine if you can have chickens in your backyard. 

How To Get Started

Now that you have information on your area’s requirements, you’re ready to start building your backyard flock. Here’s how to get started:

Find Your Flock

First, determine your needs. Do you want to keep chickens for their eggs, as a family pet, or just for fun?

This will help you determine which chicken breeds will make the best addition to your flock and help narrow your search for the right breeds.

Shop New Jersey-Compliant Chicken Coops

With a fully assembled flock, it’s time to find a home that comfortably fits them all and complies with New Jersey requirements. Most areas will require a certain number of square feet per chicken as well as a maximum chicken coop size. Additionally, certain standards regarding cleanliness, style, and predator protection may be in place.

When searching, it’s helpful to find a coop manufacturer that offers customizable options and a variety of sizes and styles so that it’s easy to certify compliance with your area’s requirements.

Get Required Permits

You will likely need a permit to keep chickens and add a coop to your property. These can be obtained and filed with the local planning, zoning, or code enforcement official listed above. 

Start Your Backyard Chicken Keeping Journey With Confidence

You can make backyard chicken keeping easier by choosing a coop that fits your local requirements and your flock’s needs. Customize a coop with practical features such as predator-proof doors, durable flooring, feeders, and waterers, or select from prebuilt options available in a variety of sizes and styles.

If you are unsure what will work best for your property or your city’s regulations, reach out to us. We are here to help you get started.

Happy backyard chicken keeping!