Can you keep chickens in Margate City, NJ?
No. Margate City's nuisance code makes it unlawful to keep chickens, guinea hens or other listed animals anywhere in the city.
The rules at a glance
| Chickens allowed | No |
| Hens | Not permitted |
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Permit | Not available (chickens are banned) |
| Coop setback | Not specified |
| Lot size | Not specified |
| Rule adopted | Aug 2011 |
Good to know
- The prohibited animal list also covers cattle, bees, goats, hogs, horses, pigs, pigeons, sheep and swine.
- The list is not exclusive; a code enforcement officer or police officer can declare another animal a nuisance.
- Adopted 8-4-2011 by Ordinance No. 16-2011.
- Penalty is up to $1,000 or 90 days, with each day a separate offense.
Source: Margate City Code (eCode360), § 196-9, Prohibited animals (view the ordinance)
Verified 2026-09. Ordinances change and zoning can differ by district; always confirm the current rules with the Margate City clerk or zoning office before you build.
Chicken rules in nearby Atlantic County towns
We build across Atlantic County
Margate Citydoesn't allow backyard chickens today, but ordinances change, and we build custom sheds and animal structures on-site throughout AtlanticCounty 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.