NJ chicken rules · Sussex County
Can you keep chickens in Newton, NJ?
Yes. Newton allows up to 5 hens on a residential lot. Roosters are prohibited, the coop must sit in the rear yard at least 25 feet from any dwelling, and there is no minimum lot size.
The rules at a glance
| Chickens allowed | Yes, with conditions |
| Hens | Up to 5 hens |
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Permit | Not specified |
| Coop setback | 5 ft from a fenced line, 10 ft from an unfenced line, 25 ft from any dwelling |
| Lot size | No minimum stated |
Good to know
- One shelter per lot; the shelter maxes out at 100 sq ft, shelter plus run at 150 sq ft, and the coop at 6 ft tall.
- Manure and waste must be kept at least 10 ft from any lot line and 25 ft from any dwelling.
- Slaughtering chickens in public view is prohibited.
- Farms and the Newton High School agricultural program are exempt.
Source: Town of Newton Code (eCode360), § 57-4, 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 Newton clerk or zoning office before you build.
Building a coop in Newton?
Triano Farms builds custom, predator-proof chicken coops on-site across SussexCounty 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.