Can you keep chickens in Borough of Atlantic Highlands, NJ?
No. The public health chapter declares keeping chickens or other fowl a nuisance, and the animal chapter allows farm animals only on five acres or more and only with a license.
The rules at a glance
| Chickens allowed | No |
| Hens | Not permitted |
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Permit | Not available on a normal lot; farm animals need a Municipal Clerk license and five acres |
| Coop setback | Not specified |
| Lot size | Min. 5 acres for farm animals |
| Ducks | Not allowed (same rule as chickens) |
Good to know
- The nuisance listing covers goats, sheep, swine, horses, ponies, mules, donkeys, rabbits, chickens, pigeons or other fowl, and was last amended 10-1-1968.
- Farm animals are defined to include fowl and any other animals customarily kept on a farm (§ 97-12B).
- A license will not be granted where a neighboring occupant would be adversely affected by noise, odour or unsightliness (§ 97-19D).
- Council minutes from 2014 record a resident petition to treat chickens as pets that the Council did not adopt.
What about ducks?
No. Atlantic Highlands declares keeping chickens, pigeons or other fowl a nuisance, and ducks are fowl.
§ 235-2A(10): "The keeping in possession of any goats, sheep, swine, horses, ponies, mules, donkeys, rabbits, chickens, pigeons or other fowl." Duck coops we build.
We build across Monmouth County
Borough of Atlantic Highlands doesn't allow backyard chickens today, but ordinances change, and we build custom sheds and animal structures on-site throughout Monmouth 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 Monmouth County towns
Compare them side by side in the Monmouth 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.