NJ chicken rules · Monmouth County
Can you keep chickens in Township of Holmdel, NJ?
Holmdel allows 6 hens on lots up to about an acre and 12 on larger lots (no roosters), with a zoning-permitted coop set back 20 feet from any neighboring occupied building.
The rules at a glance
| Chickens allowed | Yes, with conditions |
| Hens | Up to 6 on lots up to ~43,000 sq ft; up to 12 on larger lots |
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Permit | Required (zoning permit for the coop) |
| Coop setback | 20 ft from the door or window of any occupied building other than your own; rear or side yards |
| Lot size | No minimum to keep hens (lot size only sets the 6-vs-12 cap) |
Good to know
- The coop must be rodent-resistant, include a run, and confine the birds at all times.
- No chickens in the dwelling or garage except for brooding; feed kept in rodent-proof containers.
- The coop and manure must be at least 20 ft from streams or storm drains.
Source: Township of Holmdel Code, Ch. 5, § 5-8 (eCode360), § 5-8.2 — view the ordinance
Verified 2026-09. Ordinances change and zoning can differ by district — always confirm the current rules with the Township of Holmdel clerk or zoning office before you build.
Building a coop in Township of Holmdel?
Triano Farms builds custom, predator-proof chicken coops on-site across MonmouthCounty and all of New Jersey, sized to your flock and built to your town's rules.
New to this? Start with how to raise chickens in NJ, or what a coop costs.
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.