Can you keep chickens in Borough of Northvale, NJ?
No. Northvale's Board of Health code bans keeping any live fowl or poultry in the borough. The only exception is chickens kept by the Board of Education at the public school.
The rules at a glance
| Chickens allowed | No |
| Hens | Not permitted |
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Permit | Not available (chickens are banned) |
| Coop setback | Not applicable |
| Lot size | Not specified |
| Rule adopted | Aug 2025 |
| Ducks | Not allowed (same rule as chickens) |
Good to know
- § 209-1 bars keeping any live fowl or livestock on any premises in the borough.
- § 209-3 puts poultry and other fowl in Class IV, and § 209-5 says no Class IV animal may be kept.
- The 2025 amendment added one exception: school chickens in the Northvale Public School courtyard.
- Zoning lists residential agriculture as an accessory use, but the zoning code defines it as growing plants only.
What about ducks?
No. Northvale's code bans keeping any live fowl or poultry in the borough, which includes ducks.
§ 209-1; § 209-3D; § 209-5: "any live fowl or other livestock or any hoofed animal or animals as described under § 209-3, Classifications" Duck coops we build.
We build across Bergen County
Borough of Northvale 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.