Can you keep chickens in Hopewell Township (Cumberland), NJ?
No, not on a residential lot. Hopewell bans barnyard fowl in every residential zoning district. Outside those districts, up to 12 birds are allowed on a lot of at least one acre.
The rules at a glance
| Chickens allowed | No |
| Hens | Not permitted in residential zones |
| Roosters | Not permitted in residential zones |
| Permit | Not available (not allowed in residential zones) |
| Coop setback | Housing and manure at least 100 feet from any adjacent property line; fencing at least 10 feet from property lines and 50 feet from the nearest other dwelling |
| Lot size | Min. 1 acre, and only outside the residential zones |
| Ducks | Not allowed (same rule as chickens) |
Good to know
- The same rule appears twice, in the Animals chapter and in the Land Use and Development chapter, with the same residential ban.
- Class III animals are any feathered vertebrate, including chickens, hens, geese, ducks and turkeys.
- Pigs are banned in residential zones alongside barnyard fowl.
- Poultry farms are allowed where agricultural uses are permitted, with a 10 acre minimum parcel when birds are outside.
What about ducks?
No, not on a residential lot. Hopewell counts ducks as barnyard fowl, which are banned in every residential zoning district.
§ 117-1A; § 117-26A(3), B(2): "any feathered vertebrate animal, including but not limited to chickens, geese, ducks, turkeys, hens, pheasants, or other animals commonly referred to as "barnyard fowl."" Duck coops we build.
We build across Cumberland County
Hopewell Township (Cumberland) doesn't allow backyard chickens today, but ordinances change, and we build custom sheds and animal structures on-site throughout Cumberland 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 Cumberland County towns
Compare them side by side in the Cumberland 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.