Can you keep chickens in Township of Riverside, NJ?

The rules at a glance

Good to know

• The ban sits in the zoning chapter's list of expressly prohibited uses, so it applies in every zone.
• The same section adds that all uses not expressly permitted in the chapter are prohibited.
• A search of the whole code for 'chicken' turns up only a solid waste definition, so there is no backyard chicken program.
• A use that legally existed before the chapter was adopted may continue as a nonconforming use.

What about ducks?

Very likely no. Riverside's zoning prohibits keeping poultry, pigeons and livestock anywhere in the township; the code does not define poultry, but ducks are ordinarily considered poultry.

§ 255-40D(4): "The keeping or maintaining of poultry, pigeons and/or livestock." Duck coops we build.

We build across Burlington County

Township of Riverside doesn't allow backyard chickens today, but ordinances change, and we build custom sheds and animal structures on-site throughout Burlington County and all of New Jersey. If a coop is in your plans, we can help you sort out where it's allowed nearby.