Can you keep chickens in Borough of Edgewater, NJ?
No. Edgewater's Board of Health code makes it unlawful to keep any live fowl anywhere in the borough, so backyard chickens are out.
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 |
| Ducks | Not allowed (same rule as chickens) |
Good to know
- The ban covers live fowl along with pigs, cows, horses, sheep, goats and cattle.
- Only people who already kept such animals on or before February 14, 1983 are exempt, and that exemption cannot be transferred or increased.
- Exempt keepers must hold the animals in an enclosure open to inspection by police or the Board of Health.
- The Board of Health, the Housing Officer and others designated by the Mayor and Council enforce it.
What about ducks?
No. Edgewater makes it unlawful to keep any live fowl anywhere in the borough, and ducks are fowl.
§ 454-1: "It shall be unlawful to raise, keep, harbor or have in any manner whatsoever any live fowl, pig, cow, horse ... within the Borough of Edgewater." Duck coops we build.
We build across Bergen County
Borough of Edgewater 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.
Chicken rules in nearby Bergen County towns
Compare them side by side in the Bergen 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.