Can I keep chickens in Newark, NJ?
Yes, with conditions — Newark allows chickens only in certain zones or lot configurations. Roosters are prohibited, and coops must be at least 20 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (§§ 6:2-28 through 6:2-37, verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Conditional (zone / lot rules) |
|---|---|
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Permit required | Yes ($10) |
| Coop setback | 20 ft |
| Coop rules | Coop or house must have cement or watertight floor; cleaned at least weekly; no part of coop or runway within 20 ft of doors or windows of any occupied premises. Fowl may not be kept in multi-family houses. |
| Code section | §§ 6:2-28 through 6:2-37 |
Newark allows chickens with an annual permit ($10) from the Director of the Department of Health and Community Wellness, expiring December 31. Roosters are explicitly prohibited. Fowl may not be kept in multi-family or any dwelling house; coops must be at least 20 ft from doors or windows of any occupied premises.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Newark?
Yes, with conditions — Newark allows chickens only in certain zones or situations (§§ 6:2-28 through 6:2-37).
How many chickens can I keep in Newark?
It depends on your lot. No numerical limit appears in the official code text; secondary sources citing 25 hens could not be verified in the official ordinance.. Rules vary by zoning district — check the full summary for your zone.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Newark?
Yes — Newark requires a permit or registration before keeping chickens (fee: $10).
Are roosters allowed in Newark?
No — roosters are prohibited in Newark.
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in Newark?
20 feet minimum. Coop or house must have cement or watertight floor; cleaned at least weekly; no part of coop or runway within 20 ft of doors or windows of any occupied premises. Fowl may not be kept in multi-family houses.
What law covers backyard chickens in Newark?
§§ 6:2-28 through 6:2-37. Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
§§ 6:2-28 through 6:2-37 — read the official code
“A permit shall be required for the keeping of rabbits or fowl in the City. The fee for a permit under this Article shall be $10. It shall be unlawful for any person to keep or maintain roosters within the City. No part of such house, coop or runway shall be less than 20 feet from the doors or windows of any premises occupied by human beings.” 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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