Can you keep chickens in Borough of Highlands, NJ?
No. Highlands bans keeping chickens outright in its health code, and its zoning chapter separately lists the keeping of farm animals such as fowl as a prohibited use in every zone.
The rules at a glance
| Chickens allowed | No |
| Hens | Not permitted |
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Permit | Not available (chickens are banned) |
| Coop setback | Not applicable |
| Lot size | Not specified |
| Ducks | Not allowed (same rule as chickens) |
Good to know
- § 16-5.1 also bans goats, sheep, swine, horses, rabbits and pigeons.
- The only carve-out is for pigeon fanciers, who the Board of Health may allow under § 16-5.2 with a health permit and a six-month inspection.
- Fines run from $250 for a first violation up to $2,000, and each day counts as a separate offense.
- § 21-74 of the zoning chapter repeats the ban as a prohibited use in all zone districts.
What about ducks?
No. Highlands bans keeping chickens, pigeons or other fowl, and ducks are fowl; its zoning also bars keeping fowl in every zone.
§ 16-5.1; § 21-74: "It shall be unlawful for any person to keep in his/her possession any goats, sheep, swine, horses, rabbits, chickens, pigeons or other fowl except as hereinafter provided." Duck coops we build.
We build across Monmouth County
Borough of Highlands 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.