NJ chicken rules · Monmouth County
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 | — |
| Lot size | Allowed only on a lot that qualifies as a "farm" under the land-use code |
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.
Source: Township of Freehold Code, Ch. 79 Animals, Art. II (eCode360), § 79-16A; § 79-14 — view the ordinance
Verified 2026-09. Ordinances change and zoning can differ by district — always confirm the current rules with the Township of Freehold clerk or zoning office before you build.
We build across Monmouth County
Township of Freeholddoesn't allow backyard chickens today, but ordinances change, and we build custom sheds and animal structures on-site throughout MonmouthCounty 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.