Can you keep chickens in Township of Freehold, NJ?
Freehold Township treats chickens as farm animals and doesn't allow them in residential zones unless the lot qualifies as a farm, so ordinary backyard hens aren't permitted.
The rules at a glance
| Chickens allowed | No |
| Hens | Not permitted (unless the lot qualifies as a farm) |
| Roosters | Not permitted |
| Permit | No backyard-hen permit |
| Coop setback | Not specified |
| Lot size | Allowed only on a lot that qualifies as a "farm" under the land-use code |
| Ducks | Not allowed (same rule as chickens) |
Good to know
- The code bars housing or storing farm animals unless the location is a farm.
- "Farm animals" is defined to include poultry.
- This is Freehold Township, not Freehold Borough.
What about ducks?
Ducks fall under the same ban as chickens. Freehold Township prohibits housing farm animals, meaning species typically raised on a farm such as poultry, in residential zones unless the property is a farm.
§ 79-14; § 79-16A: "FARM ANIMALS Refers to those species of animals that are typically raised on a farm as defined in this article, such as livestock and poultry." Duck coops we build.
We build across Monmouth County
Township of Freehold doesn't allow backyard chickens today, but ordinances change, and we build custom sheds and animal structures on-site throughout Monmouth 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 Monmouth County towns
Compare them side by side in the Monmouth 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.