Can I keep chickens in Union City, NJ?
Yes, with conditions — Union City allows chickens only in certain zones or lot configurations (up to 50 hens where permitted). Coops must be at least 25 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (Ch. 70, Art. II - Keeping of Birds, verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Conditional (zone / lot rules) |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | 50 |
| Permit required | Yes |
| Coop setback | 25 ft |
| Coop rules | Poultry must not be kept within 25 feet of any structure owned by another and used for human habitation, occupation, or assembly. |
| Code section | Ch. 70, Art. II - Keeping of Birds |
Union City requires a Health Officer permit to keep pigeons, chickens, or other poultry. No more than 50 total birds (pigeons, chickens, ducks, and other poultry combined) may be kept, and the coop must be at least 25 feet from any neighboring structure used for human habitation. The permit is annual (expires December 31) and can be revoked if conditions constitute a nuisance.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Union City?
Yes, with conditions — Union City allows chickens only in certain zones or situations (Ch. 70, Art. II - Keeping of Birds).
How many chickens can I keep in Union City?
Up to 50 hens. Rules vary by zoning district — check the full summary for your zone.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Union City?
Yes — Union City requires a permit or registration before keeping chickens.
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in Union City?
25 feet minimum. Poultry must not be kept within 25 feet of any structure owned by another and used for human habitation, occupation, or assembly.
What law covers backyard chickens in Union City?
Ch. 70, Art. II - Keeping of Birds. Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Ch. 70, Art. II - Keeping of Birds — read the official code
“Union City Ch. 70 Art. II - Keeping of Birds: permit from Health Officer required; maximum 50 total birds (pigeons, chickens, ducks, and other poultry combined); coop must be at least 25 feet from any structure owned by another used for human habitation, occupation or assembly; permit expires December 31 annually; may be revoked for nuisance. [eCode360 confirmed present via search, JS-rendered]” 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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