Can you keep chickens in City of Plainfield, NJ?
No. Plainfield's animal code bans keeping and raising chickens on a noncommercial basis at residential properties.
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 addressed in the code |
Good to know
- The ban was added to the prohibited activities section by Ordinance MC 2021-33 on 10-12-2021.
- Fines under this article run from $100 to $1,000 per day, with each day a separate violation.
- A search of the whole code for poultry turned up only a definition, a vendor exemption and a floodplain definition, none of which permit backyard flocks.
What about ducks?
Unclear. Plainfield's ban names chickens only, and the code does not mention keeping ducks. Ask the city before getting ducks.
§ 5:7-6D(e): "The keeping and raising of chickens for a noncommercial basis in residential properties is prohibited." Duck coops we build.
We build across Union County
City of Plainfield doesn't allow backyard chickens today, but ordinances change, and we build custom sheds and animal structures on-site throughout Union 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 Union County towns
Compare them side by side in the Union 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.