NJ chicken rules · Monmouth County
Can you keep chickens in Howell Township, NJ?
Yes. Howell permits agriculture, including keeping chickens (defined as livestock), as a principal use in its residential zones. There's no hen limit in the code, but any building housing livestock must sit at least 75 feet from all property lines.
The rules at a glance
| Chickens allowed | Yes, with conditions |
| Hens | No numeric limit |
| Roosters | Not specified |
| Permit | Not specified (permitted use; structures need zoning approval) |
| Coop setback | 75 ft from all property lines (livestock buildings, R-2/R-3 zones) |
| Lot size | No explicit minimum for a few birds, but the 75-ft setback is limiting |
Good to know
- Chickens are defined as 'livestock' in the township code.
- Setbacks may differ by zone; a tax-qualified farm is 5+ acres.
Source: Howell Township Land Use Code (eCode360), Ch. 188, § 188-70 (R-2/R-3) — view the ordinance
Verified 2026-09. Ordinances change and zoning can differ by district — always confirm the current rules with the Howell Township clerk or zoning office before you build.
Building a coop in Howell Township?
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.