Can you keep chickens in City of Linden, NJ?
No. Since a 2024 Board of Health amendment, keeping any agricultural animal, which includes poultry, is a public health nuisance anywhere in Linden.
The rules at a glance
| Chickens allowed | No |
| Hens | Not permitted |
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Permit | Not available (chickens are banned) |
| Coop setback | Not applicable |
| Lot size | Not specified |
| Ducks | Not allowed (same rule as chickens) |
Good to know
- Ord. 2024-01 (3-26-2024) added the rule to Board of Health Chapter BH3, Nuisances.
- Agricultural animals are defined to include poultry, rabbits, goats and similar animals; honeybees are excluded.
- Fines run $50 to $2,000, and each day is a separate violation.
- None of the 2026 new laws, including the Ch. 5 Animal Control amendment (Ord. 70-32, dogs at large), mention poultry.
What about ducks?
No. Linden treats keeping any agricultural animal, including poultry, as a public health nuisance, and ducks raised for eggs or meat are poultry.
§ BH3-1 (Agricultural animals); § BH3-3g: "AGRICULTURAL ANIMALS Any cattle, sheep, swine, goats, llamas, horses, poultry, rabbits ... or any other animal which are intended for use as a source of food, fiber, fur, feathers, or skin" Duck coops we build.
We build across Union County
City of Linden doesn't allow backyard chickens today, but ordinances change, and we build custom sheds and animal structures on-site throughout Union 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 Union County towns
Compare them side by side in the Union 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.