Can you keep chickens in Borough of Essex Fells, NJ?
No. The Essex Fells sanitation code says no person shall keep chickens anywhere in the borough.
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
- The section bans chickens, ducks, goats and any similar barnyard animal, plus swine, cattle and horses.
- It was amended 12-20-1994 by Ord. No. 94-635 and sits in Chapter 215, Sanitation.
- Chapter 78, Animals, covers only dogs, pet waste and wildlife feeding, with no fowl provision.
- Searched the Essex Fells eCode360 code for poultry, fowl, chicken and barnyard; the only other poultry hits are a floodplain definition and a fencing rule.
Source: Borough of Essex Fells Code (eCode360), § 215-17, Keeping of animals (view the ordinance)
Verified 2026-09. Ordinances change and zoning can differ by district; always confirm the current rules with the Borough of Essex Fells clerk or zoning office before you build.
We build across Essex County
Borough of Essex Fellsdoesn't allow backyard chickens today, but ordinances change, and we build custom sheds and animal structures on-site throughout EssexCounty and all of New Jersey. If a coop is in your plans, we can help you sort out where it's allowed nearby.
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.