Can you keep chickens in Borough of Moonachie, NJ?
No. Moonachie's zoning lets homeowners keep household pets as an accessory use, but it says chickens are not household pets, and no other residential use covers backyard hens.
The rules at a glance
| Chickens allowed | No |
| Hens | Not permitted |
| Roosters | Not specified |
| Permit | Not available (chickens are not a permitted use) |
| Coop setback | Not applicable |
| Lot size | Not specified |
| Ducks | Not allowed (same rule as chickens) |
Good to know
- In the R-1 zone (and by reference R-2 and mobile home parks), the permitted accessory uses include household pets, but horses, chickens and other farm animals are excluded.
- Agricultural buildings are a permitted principal use in R-1, but no livestock may be kept, and only one principal use is allowed per lot.
- Moonachie's online code has no Board of Health chapter. The Animal Control chapter (Ch. 8) covers only dogs and wildlife feeding.
- The rule is in the Schedule of District Use Regulations, a PDF attached to Chapter 22.
What about ducks?
No. Moonachie's zoning allows household pets but says chickens and other farm animals are not household pets, which covers ducks.
Ch. 22, Attachment 3, Schedule of District Use Regulations: "Horses, chickens and other farm animals are not considered household pets herein." Duck coops we build.
We build across Bergen County
Borough of Moonachie doesn't allow backyard chickens today, but ordinances change, and we build custom sheds and animal structures on-site throughout Bergen 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 Bergen County towns
Compare them side by side in the Bergen 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.