Chicken laws in NJ

[time1865]

We have an acre and a half in Mercer County and are surrounded by farms. We can have chickens, but I would not have a rooster because I know I don't want something making noise at all hours of the day and night and neither would my neighbors. Just being considerate even if I legally could have one. Remember that even if you can legally have something, doesn't mean you won't end up in court when you neigbors complain. Is it worth going to war for an egg and to prove a point?

Legally I can keep bees on my property only because it was grandfathered. Although I only stored my equipment in my barn that didn't stop the neighbor from constantly having inspectors wandering around my property. You name the inspector and I had them here even though I never had an active colony on my property.

 

[farrahlyn]

Does anyone know the chicken laws in Ewing Township?

 

[gore9ers]

im in brick also by winward beach do you know how many chickens i can have around this area?

 

[yellowchicks]

im in brick also by winward beach do you know how many chickens i can have around this area?

I am guessing 4 chickens? Read through the fine prints and restrictions of your local township ordinance.
http://ecode360.com/6896393?highlight=chicken

 

[rabindra]

Does anyone know if West Windsor township allows keeping chickens in the back yard? I have .6 acre lot fenced around with 7" fence.

 

[amb75]

Hi I live in Hamilton nj we have had 2hens now for 2 years. My children love them as do I they are trained like our dogs. Very loving My area is not zoned for them come to find out yesterday when someone came to our door from zoning department and said thy got a call and we can not keep them .. I just joined this site today to see where I can start to petition or something that has worked for anyone in the past we very upset and will probably have to talk to a lawyer. We will not get rid of them. Can anyone please help us
They r really like part of our family now. Thank you !!!

 

[yellowchicks]

Hi I live in Hamilton nj we have had 2hens now for 2 years. My children love them as do I they are trained like our dogs. Very loving My area is not zoned for them come to find out yesterday when someone came to our door from zoning department and said thy got a call and we can not keep them .. I just joined this site today to see where I can start to petition or something that has worked for anyone in the past we very upset and will probably have to talk to a lawyer. We will not get rid of them. Can anyone please help us
They r really like part of our family now. Thank you !!!

I browsed through Hamilton Township, NJ zoning ordinance briefly, did not see where it prohibits having chickens (as pets or as livestock). There is a section for hotels to have chickens if "unsanitary or unsafe condition will not be created or maintained"....kind of odd.
http://www.ecode360.com/HA0682

Here are some suggestions:

Politely ask the Zoning Office for reason(s) of chicken eviction, ask to see that particular section(s) of the town ordinance, find out what you can do to bring it to conformance. Is there a permit needed? Could you apply for a variance for the chicken coop if it were classified as an accessory building.

This link is a good example of one person's process to overcome the neighbors' objections in having chickens. There are a lot of good reasoning and wording in combating objections with facts.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/...s-and-10-others-are-against-our-coop-any-tips

Talk to your neighbors to see if they have any concerns and what you can do to ease their concerns. Find out if they will support you in having chickens. Bring them some fresh eggs to start the conversation. Emphasize that these chickens are your pets with benefits (eggs).

Good luck!

 

[Hockeychick]

I realize that this is an older thread, but maybe someone here knows about Jefferson Twp? I'm looking to buy a home in Jefferson, but I don't know if chickens are legal. I looked at the town website and codes, and it isn't very clear to me. Thank you.

 

[Ardj]

What i did is i went to my county municipal building and found out everything i needed to know about having a chickens in my backyard. They are permitted in Burlington County NJ but the coop have to be a 25 feet away from every property line and 35 feet from the house. If u have a run it have to be covered. The chickens are not aloud to go free ranch. First you have to get a permit to build your chicken coop. Than an health inspector will come and see how everything is set and done. He will give u a paper of approval if everything will be good. Than you have to take this document to your municipal building and present it and pay for a license. They will send it by mail. And there you go. After u get your license u can raise the chickens and if I'm remembering this correct it's up to 10 birds in Burlington County Nj. I think that the procedure for having a backyard chickens is similar in every county in NJ.

 

[Thestahlfamily]

...

Hi! I am a beginner and I want to raise chickens.  I am trying to persued my parents to let me own two or three, but I should know if you are able to raise them in NJ?  So, are you able to raise chickens in your back yard in New Jersey?  I live in a suburb if that makes any difference.

Hi, you really need to check with your towns ordinance. Every town is different. I had a year long battle and eventually got our ordinance change so I can have them legally!