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 |
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.
Source: Ocean City Code (eCode360), § 25-203.5, Prohibited Uses and Structures in All Zones (view the ordinance)
Verified 2026-09. Ordinances change and zoning can differ by district; always confirm the current rules with the City of Ocean City clerk or zoning office before you build.
Chicken rules in nearby Cape May County towns
We build across Cape May County
City of Ocean Citydoesn't allow backyard chickens today, but ordinances change, and we build custom sheds and animal structures on-site throughout Cape MayCounty and all of New Jersey. If a coop is in your plans, we can help you sort out where it's allowed nearby.
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Tell us about your animals and your land. We'll design a coop built to last, on-site, just for you.