Can you keep chickens in City of Ocean City, NJ?
No. Ocean City lists keeping livestock as a prohibited use in all zoning districts, and the only animals carved out are bees and indoor pets such as cats, dogs and fish.
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
- Keeping non-domestic animals or livestock is a prohibited use in all zone districts.
- The exception covers bees and pets that typically live inside a home, which chickens do not.
- Chapter 11, Animal Control, and Chapter 28, Health, say nothing about poultry.
What about ducks?
No. Ocean City prohibits keeping livestock or non-domestic animals in every zone, and only bees and indoor pets are carved out, which leaves out backyard ducks.
§ 25-203.5i: "Keeping non-domestic animals or livestock. This shall not include bees and pets such as cats, dogs, fish and other domestic pets which typically live inside a home." Duck coops we build.
We build across Cape May County
City of Ocean City doesn't allow backyard chickens today, but ordinances change, and we build custom sheds and animal structures on-site throughout Cape May 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 Cape May County towns
Compare them side by side in the Cape May 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.