Can you keep chickens in City of Northfield, NJ?
No. Northfield's animal code bans keeping live chickens, turkeys, ducks, geese and guinea fowl 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 | 1967 |
| Ducks | Not allowed (same rule as chickens) |
Good to know
- The fowl ban was adopted in 1967 and is still in the current code.
- Horses, cattle, swine, goats, sheep and other large farm animals are banned in the same article.
- The only exceptions are parks, zoos, pet stores and riding academies.
- City Council discussed backyard hens in 2023 but no hen ordinance appears in the code or the new laws list.
What about ducks?
No. Northfield's animal code bans keeping live ducks, chickens, turkeys, geese and guinea fowl anywhere in the city.
§ 97-17: "No person shall have or keep in his possession any live chickens, turkeys, ducks, geese, guinea fowl or any other fowl raised commercially for food within the limits of the City of Northfield." Duck coops we build.
We build across Atlantic County
City of Northfield 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.