Can you keep chickens in Borough of Allendale, NJ?

The rules at a glance

Good to know

• Chickens are listed alongside cattle, bees, goats, guinea hens, hogs, horses, pigs, pigeons, sheep and swine as prohibited animals.
• Anyone keeping such animals on the effective date may continue, but may not add to or replace them, and had to register with the Animal Control Officer within 60 days.
• Violations carry a fine of up to $1,000 or up to 90 days in jail, with each day a separate offense.
• The AAA Residence zoning section still lists fowl for personal use on lots of at least 2 acres, kept 50 feet from any dwelling, which conflicts with the later borough-wide health ban.

What about ducks?

Unclear. Allendale's ban lists chickens, guinea hens and pigeons but not ducks, and says the list is not all-inclusive. Ask the Board of Health before getting ducks.

§ 93-22: "any cattle, chickens, bees, goats, guinea hens, hogs, horses, ocelots, pigs, (including potbelly pigs), pigeons, sheep, swine or any other animal that is deemed to be dangerous to humans. The foregoing enumeration is not intended to be all-inclusive." Duck coops we build.

We build across Bergen County

Borough of Allendale doesn't allow backyard chickens today, but ordinances change, and we build custom sheds and animal structures on-site throughout Bergen County and all of New Jersey. If a coop is in your plans, we can help you sort out where it's allowed nearby.