Can I keep chickens in Jersey City, NJ?
Yes — Jersey City allows backyard chickens, up to 50 hens with a required permit/registration. Coops must be at least 25 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (§§ 90-6, 90-7, 90-8, verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Yes |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | 50 |
| Permit required | Yes |
| Coop setback | 25 ft |
| Coop rules | Coop must be dry and well ventilated; cleaned at least once per week Nov-May and twice per week May-Nov. Drinking fountains cleaned and kept full. Yard must be clean and free from odors. |
| Code section | §§ 90-6, 90-7, 90-8 |
Jersey City allows up to 50 chickens, ducks, or other poultry per person with an annual license. No chickens may be kept within 25 ft of any structure owned by another person and used for human habitation, occupation, or assembly. License fee is set by Chapter 160.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Jersey City?
Yes — chickens are allowed in Jersey City (§§ 90-6, 90-7, 90-8).
How many chickens can I keep in Jersey City?
Up to 50 hens.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Jersey City?
Yes — Jersey City requires a permit or registration before keeping chickens.
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in Jersey City?
25 feet minimum. Coop must be dry and well ventilated; cleaned at least once per week Nov-May and twice per week May-Nov. Drinking fountains cleaned and kept full. Yard must be clean and free from odors.
What law covers backyard chickens in Jersey City?
§§ 90-6, 90-7, 90-8. Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
§§ 90-6, 90-7, 90-8 — read the official code
“Chapter 90-6 states: No pigeons, chickens or other poultry shall be kept within 25 feet of any structure owned by another and used for human habitation, occupation or assembly, provided that in no case shall any person or persons be permitted to keep more than 50 chickens, ducks or other poultry, including pigeons.” 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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