Can I keep chickens in Trenton, NJ?
Yes, with conditions — Trenton allows chickens only in certain zones or lot configurations. (Ch. 21 Art. III, §§ 21-26, 21-28, 21-29, verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Conditional (zone / lot rules) |
|---|---|
| Permit required | Yes ($10) |
| Coop rules | Premises must meet sanitary requirements: odor/noise control, proper waste disposal, rodent/insect prevention, adequate containment. Annual license from Health Officer required. |
| Code section | Ch. 21 Art. III, §§ 21-26, 21-28, 21-29 |
Trenton requires a $10/year Health Officer license to keep any birds including chickens. No numeric hen cap exists; limits are determined by a nuisance standard based on property size and facilities. Proposed Ordinance 24-015 (a ban) was tabled 6-1 by City Council in March 2024; the code was amended May 9, 2024 by Ord. 24-31 retaining the conditional-permission framework.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Trenton?
Yes, with conditions — Trenton allows chickens only in certain zones or situations (Ch. 21 Art. III, §§ 21-26, 21-28, 21-29).
How many chickens can I keep in Trenton?
It depends on your lot. No numeric cap; nuisance standard applies - quantity limited by property size and facilities per section 21-29.. Rules vary by zoning district — check the full summary for your zone.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Trenton?
Yes — Trenton requires a permit or registration before keeping chickens (fee: $10).
What law covers backyard chickens in Trenton?
Ch. 21 Art. III, §§ 21-26, 21-28, 21-29. Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Ch. 21 Art. III, §§ 21-26, 21-28, 21-29 — read the official code
“The council voted 6 to 1 in favor of taking no action at the end of the March 5th meeting.” source
“Birds or animals shall not be maintained on any premises until the Health Officer has given formal approval therefor by the issuance of a license. The fee for a license to keep birds or animals shall be $10 per year. [Amended 5-9-2024 by Ord. No. 24-31]” 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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