NJ chicken rules · Ocean County
Can you keep chickens in Jackson Township, NJ?
In Jackson, chickens are treated as livestock and can be kept on lots of at least 45,000 sq ft (about 1 acre). The shelter must sit at least 20 feet from any property line and 75 feet from a neighboring dwelling.
The rules at a glance
| Chickens allowed | Yes, with conditions |
| Hens | No specific number (regulated by lot/animal-unit standards) |
| Roosters | Not specified |
| Permit | Not specified (zoning applies) |
| Coop setback | 20 ft from any property line; 75 ft from a neighboring dwelling; manure 100 ft |
| Lot size | Minimum 45,000 sq ft (~1 acre) |
Good to know
- 'Livestock' is defined to include chickens kept for laying eggs.
- The rules are written around horses and animal units, so small-flock specifics can be interpretive.
- Nuisance, odor, and fly control are required.
Source: Jackson Township Code (eCode360), Ch. 98, Art. VIII, § 98-48 — view the ordinance
Verified 2026-09. Ordinances change and zoning can differ by district — always confirm the current rules with the Jackson Township clerk or zoning office before you build.
Building a coop in Jackson Township?
Triano Farms builds custom, predator-proof chicken coops on-site across OceanCounty 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.