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 |
| Ducks | Not allowed (same rule as chickens) |
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.
What about ducks?
No. Essex Fells bans keeping chickens and ducks anywhere in the borough.
§ 215-17: "No person shall keep chickens, ducks, goats or any similar animal of a barnyard variety or swine, cattle, horses or any other such large animal within the Borough." Duck coops we build.
We build across Essex County
Borough of Essex Fells doesn't allow backyard chickens today, but ordinances change, and we build custom sheds and animal structures on-site throughout Essex 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 Essex County towns
Compare them side by side in the Essex 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.