Can I keep chickens in Paterson, NJ?
No — Paterson does not allow backyard chickens in residential zones. (§ 121-36, verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | No |
|---|---|
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Code section | § 121-36 |
Paterson explicitly prohibits keeping live chickens and roosters within the city (section 121-36A, amended by Ord. No. 25-015, effective May 20, 2025). Other fowl excluding chickens and roosters may be kept with a Health Division license ($100/year). Commercial live-poultry businesses are exempt.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Paterson?
No — chickens are not allowed in Paterson (§ 121-36).
Are roosters allowed in Paterson?
No — roosters are prohibited in Paterson.
What law covers backyard chickens in Paterson?
§ 121-36. Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
§ 121-36 — read the official code
“The keeping of live chickens and roosters in the City is hereby prohibited. [section 121-36A, Amended 5-20-2025 by Ord. No. 25-015]” 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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