Can you keep chickens in Borough of Magnolia, NJ?
No, not for new residents. Magnolia bans livestock and fowl and allowed backyard hens only through a licensed pilot program, and since September 2025 no new licenses are issued. Existing licenses stay in effect.
The rules at a glance
| Chickens allowed | No |
| Hens | Not permitted (existing licenses only) |
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Permit | Not available: no new licenses issued since September 2025 |
| Coop setback | 15 ft from the habitable portion of a neighboring dwelling; 5 ft side and rear yard buffer (existing licenses) |
| Lot size | No minimum stated |
| Rule adopted | Sept 2025 |
Good to know
- Keeping livestock or fowl anywhere in the borough is unlawful except for hens licensed under the pilot program.
- The pilot program allowed two chickens per 1,000 square feet of lot, capped at 12, on a $15 annual license expiring March 1.
- Applicants had to meet a chicken advisory board and take a class on raising backyard chickens.
- Ordinance 2025-08 closed the program to new applicants on September 18, 2025.
Source: Borough of Magnolia Code (Municode), §§ 6.95-27.2 to 6.95-27.5, Ch. 95, Arts. IV and V (view the ordinance)
Verified 2026-09. Ordinances change and zoning can differ by district; always confirm the current rules with the Borough of Magnolia clerk or zoning office before you build.
We build across Camden County
Borough of Magnoliadoesn't allow backyard chickens today, but ordinances change, and we build custom sheds and animal structures on-site throughout CamdenCounty and all of New Jersey. If a coop is in your plans, we can help you sort out where it's allowed nearby.
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Tell us about your animals and your land. We'll design a coop built to last, on-site, just for you.