NJ chicken rules · Hunterdon County
Can you keep chickens in Raritan Township, NJ?
Yes. Raritan Township (Hunterdon) allows up to 5 hens on residential lots under 3 acres in its rural and residential zones, with a $100 zoning permit. Roosters are prohibited, and poultry isn't allowed at all in the denser zones (R-5 and up).
The rules at a glance
| Chickens allowed | Yes, with conditions |
| Hens | Up to 5 (lots under 3 acres); 20 fowl per acre on 3+ acres |
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Permit | Required — $100 zoning permit |
| Coop setback | 30 ft from any property line; not in front of the main structure |
| Lot size | The 5-hen rule applies to lots under 3 acres; prohibited in R-5 and denser zones |
Good to know
- Enclosure must be covered, ventilated, and predator- and rodent-resistant, with at least 4 sq ft per chicken and 6-ft fencing.
- Coop capped at 100 sq ft (200 sq ft with the run); chickens may not roam free.
- Slaughtering chickens within public view is prohibited; droppings collected at least weekly.
Source: Raritan Township Land Development Code (eCode360), § 296-95.E(1) (R-1), identical across R-1A/R-2/R-3/R-4 — view the ordinance
Verified 2026-09. Ordinances change and zoning can differ by district — always confirm the current rules with the Raritan Township clerk or zoning office before you build.
Building a coop in Raritan Township?
Triano Farms builds custom, predator-proof chicken coops on-site across HunterdonCounty and all of New Jersey, sized to your flock and built to your town's rules.
New to this? Start with how to raise chickens in NJ, or what a coop costs.
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.