Can you keep chickens in City of Paterson, NJ?
No. Paterson bans keeping live chickens and roosters anywhere in the city, and other fowl need a $100 Health Division license.
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 | May 2025 |
| Ducks | Allowed with conditions |
Good to know
- The chicken and rooster ban was added by Ord. No. 25-015, adopted May 20, 2025.
- Other live fowl need a Health Division license that expires December 31 each year; the fee is $100.
- No fowl may run at large, and businesses that sell live fowl to the public are exempt.
- Violations can bring a fine of up to $1,000, up to 90 days in jail, or community service.
What about ducks?
Yes, with a license. Paterson bans chickens and roosters, but other fowl, which includes ducks, may be kept with a Health Division license, confined in a clean enclosure and never running at large.
§§ 121-35, 121-36, 121-37, 121-39: "No other live fowl shall be kept within the City without a license issued by the Health Division" Duck coops we build.
We build across Passaic County
City of Paterson doesn't allow backyard chickens today, but ordinances change, and we build custom sheds and animal structures on-site throughout Passaic 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 Passaic County towns
Compare them side by side in the Passaic 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.