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 |
| Ducks | Not addressed in the code |
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.
What about ducks?
Unclear, but likely not allowed. Margate City's prohibited animal list names chickens and guinea hens but not ducks; it also bans any animal the city deems a nuisance and says the list is not all-inclusive. Ask the city first.
§ 196-9: "The foregoing enumeration is not intended to be all-inclusive." Duck coops we build.
We build across Atlantic County
Margate City doesn't allow backyard chickens today, but ordinances change, and we build custom sheds and animal structures on-site throughout Atlantic 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 Atlantic County towns
Compare them side by side in the Atlantic 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.