NJ chicken rules · Somerset County
Can you keep chickens in Montgomery Township, NJ?
Yes. Montgomery allows up to 6 chickens on the minimum half-acre lot, plus 2 more per additional half-acre. Roosters are prohibited, a zoning permit is required, and the coop must sit in the rear yard at least 25 feet from any property line.
The rules at a glance
| Chickens allowed | Yes, with conditions |
| Hens | 6 on ½ acre, +2 per additional ½ acre |
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Permit | Zoning permit required |
| Coop setback | 25 ft from property lines; 50 ft from a neighbor's home; rear yard only |
| Lot size | Minimum ½ acre |
Good to know
- Fully enclosed shelter capped at 150 sq ft; enclosed 'chicken tractors' allowed as a supplement.
- No slaughtering in public view; no running at large.
- Adopted 2021.
Source: Montgomery Township Animal Control Code (eCode360), Ch. 5, § 5-8, Standards for Keeping Chickens — view the ordinance
Verified 2026-09. Ordinances change and zoning can differ by district — always confirm the current rules with the Montgomery Township clerk or zoning office before you build.
Building a coop in Montgomery Township?
Triano Farms builds custom, predator-proof chicken coops on-site across SomersetCounty 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.