Can I keep chickens in East Orange, NJ?
No — East Orange does not allow backyard chickens in residential zones. (§ 132-3 (Ch. 132: Dogs, Cats and Other Animals, Art. I), verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | No |
|---|---|
| Code section | § 132-3 (Ch. 132: Dogs, Cats and Other Animals, Art. I) |
East Orange prohibits keeping any domestic animal other than household pets within the city. Section 132-1 defines household pets as animals normally available at pet shops; chickens do not qualify. Section 132-3 then prohibits all domestic animals that are not household pets. No dedicated chicken or poultry ordinance exists; the prohibition flows from the general domestic-animal definition.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in East Orange?
No — chickens are not allowed in East Orange (§ 132-3 (Ch. 132: Dogs, Cats and Other Animals, Art. I)).
What law covers backyard chickens in East Orange?
§ 132-3 (Ch. 132: Dogs, Cats and Other Animals, Art. I). Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
§ 132-3 (Ch. 132: Dogs, Cats and Other Animals, Art. I) — read the official code
“No person shall keep, harbor, maintain or husband any domestic animal (excluding household pets, as defined in section 132-1) within the City. [section 132-1 defines household pets as] birds, cats ... or other animals normally available at pet shops, which, by reason of their species, condition or character, are domesticated and not dangerous.” source
Last verified June 15, 2026. Always confirm with your municipality — HOA rules can be stricter than city code. How we verify →
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