Planning to keep backyard chickens in New Jersey? There is no statewide chicken code—each town, city or township sets its own rules. This guide explains how local laws vary across key counties and municipalities in simple, easy-to-understand English.
Bergen County
- Rules differ by town—most of the dense cities (like Hackensack or Teaneck) prohibit chickens entirely.
- Towns such as Glen Ridge allow up to 8 hens, no roosters; coop must be fenced and set back at least 10 ft from property lines.
Essex County
- Montclair permits backyard chickens (up to 4 hens, no roosters) by zoning permit.
- Maplewood allows a limited pilot program: up to 5 hens for select households with strict setbacks, neighbor consent, and no roosters.
Hudson County
- Cities like Jersey City and Union City currently ban chickens in residential areas despite past public discussion.
- In Jersey City, private license holders (urban farms) can keep chickens with permits, setbacks (~25 ft), and coop standards.
Middlesex County
- In Edison Township, a license is required; coops must sit 50 ft from units or food places, 10 ft from property lines; roosters prohibited.
- Old Bridge, Monroe, East Brunswick allow hens by zoning permit—often with lot size and coop setback rules.
Monmouth County
- Keyport allows up to 6 hens with annual permit; roosters banned.
- Other towns like Freehold Township, Howell, Colts Neck, Holmdel are more rural-friendly—hens permitted with lot-size limits and coops clean and setback.
Atlantic & Southern Counties (Atlantic, Cumberland, Cape May)
- Many towns such as Vineland, Millville, Upper Township, Pittsgrove and Bridgeton allow hens—usually up to 6 hens, no roosters.
- Coop must be secure, clean and follow setback rules; few require permits.
Burlington County
- Mount Laurel and Evesham Township typically permit hens (4–6), no roosters, coops must meet health and zoning rules.
- Rural zones (Medford, Southampton) have minimal restrictions, though nuisance laws still apply.
Camden County
- Towns like Haddonfield allow up to 6 hens by ordinance; roosters banned; coops must be ≥20 ft from neighbor homes.
- Collingswood bans all fowl and property owners may not keep chickens at all.
- Haddon Township and Oaklyn allow chickens under local zoning programs.
Mercer County (Trenton, Princeton)
- Trenton allows chickens with license (~$10), health inspection, coop setbacks (~25 ft), hens only; roosters banned.
- Princeton permits up to 6 hens by zoning permit with coop setbacks and sanitary standards; roosters prohibited.
Morris County
- No universal rule; some small towns allow chickens with permit and setbacks, others prohibit them outright.
Common Themes Across New Jersey
- Most towns cap hens between **4–8** per household; roosters are almost universally banned.
- Permits or licenses are required in several municipalities (e.g. Newark, Edison, Princeton).
- Coops must be in rear yards only, meet setback requirements, be predator‑proof, ventilated and clean.
- No free‑roaming; chickens must stay in your property or fenced yard.
- Many ordinances disallow egg sales or slaughter unless licensed as a commercial operation.
- HOAs or neighborhood covenants may forbid chickens even if municipal law allows them.
Tips to Stay Legal
- Check your town or city’s municipal code before getting chickens—rules differ widely.
- If your town allows chickens, confirm whether a permit, neighbor consent, or inspection is required.
- Make sure your coop meets size, setback, manure and ventilation standards.
- Never keep roosters unless explicitly allowed—it’s nearly always banned in residential areas.
- Keep neighbors informed and maintain cleanliness to avoid nuisance complaints.
- HOA or deed restrictions can prohibit chickens even if local zoning permits them.
Summary Table
| Town / County | Hen Limit | Roosters? | Permit? | Key Rules |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Montclair (Essex) | Up to 4 hens | No | Yes | Permit, coop setback & health standards |
| Princeton (Mercer) | Up to 6 hens | No | Yes | Site inspection, coop setback |
| Haddonfield (Camden) | Up to 6 hens | No | Yes | 20 ft setback, coop rules |
| Keyport (Monmouth) | Up to 6 hens | No | Yes | Annual permit, coop standards |
| Vineland/Millville (Cumberland) | Usually 6 hens | No | Often no | Coop clean, setbacks apply |
| Omaha (sorry newark) | — | — | — | Just an example—ignore |
Final Thoughts
In New Jersey, chicken laws vary greatly from place to place. Many suburban and rural towns permit small flocks of hens under clear zoning rules and coop standards; dense cities and towns often prohibit them entirely. Roosters are almost always banned. If you tell me your specific town, city, or even county—or address—I can help find the exact and current local ordinance that applies to your property.