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 |
| Rule adopted | May 2026 |
| Ducks | Not allowed (same rule as chickens) |
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.
What about ducks?
No. Alpha's zoning bans keeping chickens or 'fowl of any kind' in every zone except as part of a permitted farm use, which covers ducks.
§ 410-34E: "The keeping or raising of swine, chickens, game birds or fowl of any kind or horses, cows or other farm animals of any kind, except in connection with a permitted farm use" Duck coops we build.
We build across Warren County
Borough of Alpha doesn't allow backyard chickens today, but ordinances change, and we build custom sheds and animal structures on-site throughout Warren County and all of New Jersey. If a coop is in your plans, we can help you sort out where it's allowed nearby.
Chicken rules in nearby Warren County towns
Compare them side by side in the Warren County table.
Ready to keep your flock safe?
Tell us about your animals and your land. We'll design a coop built to last, on-site, just for you.