Chickens in Metuchen, NJ

[pandamanda]

Hello! New to the community and in the process of moving to Metuchen, NJ.

I've looked at all the ordinances and haven't found anything allowing or not allowing backyard chickens. However, Middlesex and Edison, neighboring towns, both seem to allow birds with some restrictions.

My next step is to approach the zoning board to inquire, but before I do that, I wanted to check here. Is anyone from Metuchen who might have chickens or have already spoken with town officials?

Thanks in advance!

 

[aart]

Might try your state chat thread.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/new-jersey.537/page-494

 

[Brahma Chicken5000]

Hello! New to the community and in the process of moving to Metuchen, NJ.

I've looked at all the ordinances and haven't found anything allowing or not allowing backyard chickens. However, Middlesex and Edison, neighboring towns, both seem to allow birds with some restrictions.

My next step is to approach the zoning board to inquire, but before I do that, I wanted to check here. Is anyone from Metuchen who might have chickens or have already spoken with town officials?

Thanks in advance!

I’m from Higland Park and I can have as many pullets and hens as I want as long as the coop is 5 feet from the property line.

 

[pandamanda]

Thank you both! Posted in the NJ chat and will keep Highland Park laws in mind. My hope is since Highland Park, Edison, and Middlesex all allow birds with some restrictions and Metuchen doesn’t have anything restricting non-commercial poultry - we should be ok. But going to reach out to the zoning board to be sure, and check with our new neighbors.

 

[vttrissy]

I'm purchasing a house in Metuchen. I've owned chicken in prior areas and want to start a coop again. What did you find out? Are they allowed?

 

[angelaq190]

I’m from Higland Park and I can have as many pullets and hens as I want as long as the coop is 5 feet from the property line.

Do you need a permit to own chicken in Highland Park?