Can you keep chickens in City of New Brunswick, NJ?
No. New Brunswick's zoning code counts poultry and fowl as domesticated animals and says no domesticated animal is allowed on any residential lot or dwelling 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 |
| Ducks | Not allowed (same rule as chickens) |
Good to know
- Household pets such as dogs, cats, rabbits, parrots and canaries are carved out of this section.
- The same section bans horses, goats, sheep, swine, cattle and fur-bearing animals on residential lots.
- No building or stable for keeping such animals may be inside a dwelling or business building.
- Title 6 Animals covers only dogs, cats, traps, exotic wildlife registration and wildlife feeding, with no poultry provision.
What about ducks?
No. New Brunswick bars poultry and fowl on any residential lot, and that covers ducks.
§ 17.03.220B: ""domesticated animal" shall include but not be limited to horses, goats, sheep, swine, cattle, poultry, fowl, and fur-bearing animals but excluding household pets. 2. No domesticated animal shall be allowed in any residential lot" Duck coops we build.
We build across Middlesex County
City of New Brunswick doesn't allow backyard chickens today, but ordinances change, and we build custom sheds and animal structures on-site throughout Middlesex 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 Middlesex County towns
Compare them side by side in the Middlesex 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.