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 |
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.
Source: Borough of Highlands Code (eCode360), § 16-5.1, Prohibited Animals; § 21-74, Prohibited Uses (view the ordinance)
Verified 2026-09. Ordinances change and zoning can differ by district; always confirm the current rules with the Borough of Highlands clerk or zoning office before you build.
Chicken rules in nearby Monmouth County towns
AberdeenAsbury ParkAtlantic HighlandsBelmarBradley BeachBrielleColts NeckEatontownFair HavenFreeholdHazletHolmdelHowellKeansburgKeyportLittle SilverLong BranchManalapanManasquanMarlboroMatawanMiddletownMillstoneNeptuneOceanOceanportRed BankRumsonShrewsburySpring Lake HeightsTinton FallsUnion BeachUpper FreeholdWallWest Long Branch
We build across Monmouth County
Borough of Highlandsdoesn'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.
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