Can you keep chickens in Borough of Collingswood, NJ?
No. Collingswood makes it unlawful to keep fowl anywhere in the borough, and its definition of fowl names chickens first.
The rules at a glance
| Chickens allowed | No |
| Hens | Not permitted |
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Permit | Not available (chickens are banned) |
| Coop setback | Not specified |
| Lot size | Not specified |
Good to know
- Fowl is defined as any chicken, turkey, goose, duck, emu, ostrich, or any other fowl customarily found on a farm, and pigeons.
- The ban covers keeping, stabling, breeding and quartering, and it does not reach cats, dogs or other domestic animals.
- The Police Department and the Code Enforcement Officer enforce it, with fines up to $500.
- A search of the Collingswood code found no backyard chicken ordinance that changes this.
Source: Borough of Collingswood Code (eCode360), § 105-60, Keeping of livestock and fowl prohibited; exception (view the ordinance)
Verified 2026-09. Ordinances change and zoning can differ by district; always confirm the current rules with the Borough of Collingswood clerk or zoning office before you build.
Chicken rules in nearby Camden County towns
We build across Camden County
Borough of Collingswooddoesn't allow backyard chickens today, but ordinances change, and we build custom sheds and animal structures on-site throughout CamdenCounty 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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