I just got finished building my coop. I just got my four NH Reds. I live in Byram Township, New Jersey. Here is the zoning ecode for my township. See the link: http://www.ecode360.com/?custId=BY0627 , and keyword search chickens on the left and let me know what you think about Section 215-56.2: "Standards for raising/harboring of livestock". Thanks in advance!
How much land do you have? I have just over an acre and would not be able to meet these set-backs: The keeping of any farm animal or fowl is only permitted in a building or other structure located not less than 100 feet from any well and no part of which is closer to any property line, public road or off-site residence than 250 feet
Thanks for your reply. I have less than an acre and dont meet the distance requirements either. Its really hard in my town to meet that. The code is set up into Section A: Any person engaged in raising or harboring livestock and Section B: Poultry. Under the poultry section, the requirements seem to contradict what you mentioned regarding offsets. The yard shall not be placed any closer than 50 feet from neighboring property lines. I havent had any problems with neighbors but I want to do a little homework before I need to. I like being more prepared than the rest I guess...
I am curious what the end result was in having a few chickens in Byram? I too live in Byram and I am less than an acre I would like to have 4 chickens also... no roosters... let me know how you made out with this...Thanks so much!
I too find the statute confusing. First they say, "The minimum lot size to be considered, including the dwelling site, shall be five acres." That means that you can't keep livestock on anything less than 5 acres. Than if you go further down you find this note: "Example: One donkey and 16 chickens would be acceptable on one acre.", and even further we find this, "For home agriculture, not more than 32 bird units shall be allowed on any one-acre lot, and no more than 32 bird units for each additional acre up to three acres, a total of 96 bird units." To be quite honest, at that point I threw up my hands in exasperation. This is obviously a patchwork law that was modified due to individual cases with no regard to the statute as a whole. Another possibility is that it was written by lawyers in an attempt to drum up business. Quote: