Can you keep chickens in Borough of Alpha, NJ?
No. Alpha's zoning prohibits keeping or raising chickens or fowl of any kind in every zone except as part of a permitted farm use, and the R-1A Agriculture Zone excludes raising poultry.
The rules at a glance
| Chickens allowed | No |
| Hens | Not permitted |
| Roosters | Not permitted |
| Permit | Not applicable (chickens are not permitted) |
| Coop setback | Coop and corral 500 ft from any residential or business lot (health code) |
| Lot size | Not specified |
Good to know
- § 410-34E bans chickens and fowl in all zones except with a permitted farm use; the section was last amended 5-12-2026.
- The R-1A Agriculture Zone allows farms but not the raising of poultry or livestock; farms are otherwise listed only in the I Industrial Zone.
- Chapter 134 separately requires a Board of Health permit for any animal other than dogs and cats, with the coop at least 500 ft from any residential or business lot.
- Council minutes show chicken complaints and discussion of chicken guidelines (2012, 2023, 2025), but no chicken allowance appears in the code.
Source: Borough of Alpha Code (eCode360), § 410-34E, Prohibited uses (view the ordinance)
Verified 2026-09. Ordinances change and zoning can differ by district; always confirm the current rules with the Borough of Alpha clerk or zoning office before you build.
We build across Warren County
Borough of Alphadoesn't allow backyard chickens today, but ordinances change, and we build custom sheds and animal structures on-site throughout WarrenCounty and all of New Jersey. If a coop is in your plans, we can help you sort out where it's allowed nearby.
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Tell us about your animals and your land. We'll design a coop built to last, on-site, just for you.