NJ chicken rules · Sussex County
Can you keep chickens in Lafayette Township, NJ?
Yes, as an agricultural use. Lafayette has no dedicated chicken ordinance; keeping poultry is a recognized farm and animal-husbandry use. The main rule is that a poultry or livestock shelter can't sit closer than 50 feet to any property line.
The rules at a glance
| Chickens allowed | Yes, with conditions |
| Hens | No numeric limit |
| Roosters | Not specified |
| Permit | Not specified (agriculture is a permitted use) |
| Coop setback | 50 ft from any property line (poultry/livestock shelter) |
| Lot size | No minimum specified |
Good to know
- 'Agriculture' includes animal husbandry as a permitted use; the township has a Right to Farm chapter.
- Accessory structures may not be used as a residence.
Source: Lafayette Township Zoning (eCode360), Chapter 13, Zoning — view the ordinance
Verified 2026-09. Ordinances change and zoning can differ by district — always confirm the current rules with the Lafayette Township clerk or zoning office before you build.
Building a coop in Lafayette Township?
Triano Farms builds custom, predator-proof chicken coops on-site across SussexCounty 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.