Can you keep chickens in Township of Edgewater Park, NJ?
No, under the zoning code. Edgewater Park's zoning lists keeping poultry as a prohibited use, even though a separate Board of Health chapter still describes a permit for up to 25 fowl on lots under 3 acres.
The rules at a glance
| Chickens allowed | No |
| Hens | Not permitted under zoning (health code would allow up to 25 fowl on lots under 3 acres) |
| Roosters | Not permitted |
| Permit | A Board of Health permit (Ch. 139) does not override the zoning prohibition |
| Coop setback | Not applicable |
| Lot size | Not applicable |
| Ducks | Not allowed (same rule as chickens) |
Good to know
- The two provisions genuinely conflict: § 310-13-2C(22) prohibits keeping poultry, while Ch. 139 sets up a fowl permit with no reference to zoning. We follow the stricter zoning rule.
- Existing agricultural uses are still allowed in the R-2 district, and uses that were lawful before the zoning rule may continue.
- Ask the township zoning officer before applying for a Board of Health permit.
What about ducks?
Ducks follow the same rule as chickens: a Board of Health permit, and no more than 25 fowl on a lot under three acres. The zoning code also lists keeping poultry as a prohibited use, so confirm with the township first.
§ 139-1; § 139-8B; § 310-13-2C(22): "No more than 25 fowl, not including crowing roosters, shall be kept upon parcels of land less than three acres" Duck coops we build.
We build across Burlington County
Township of Edgewater Park doesn't allow backyard chickens today, but ordinances change, and we build custom sheds and animal structures on-site throughout Burlington 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 Burlington County towns
Compare them side by side in the Burlington County table.
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