Can you keep chickens in Borough of River Edge, NJ?
No. Since 2023 River Edge has banned keeping hens, roosters and all other domestic fowl, and existing flocks had to be removed.
The rules at a glance
| Chickens allowed | No |
| Hens | Not permitted |
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Permit | Not available |
| Coop setback | Not applicable |
| Lot size | Not applicable |
Good to know
- Adopted 9-14-2023 by Ord. No. 23-14. Domestic fowl is defined to include chickens (roosters and hens), ducks, quail, geese, turkeys and pigeons.
- Anyone already keeping fowl had to give them up within 60 days of adoption.
- Breeding, raising, selling and slaughtering fowl are also banned, and fowl may not be buried in the borough.
- Fines run $250 to $1,000 per offense, per day.
Source: Borough of River Edge Code (eCode360), § 122-24, Prohibition of keeping live domestic fowl or rooster (view the ordinance)
Verified 2026-09. Ordinances change and zoning can differ by district; always confirm the current rules with the Borough of River Edge clerk or zoning office before you build.
We build across Bergen County
Borough of River Edgedoesn't allow backyard chickens today, but ordinances change, and we build custom sheds and animal structures on-site throughout BergenCounty 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.