Can you keep chickens in Township of Rochelle Park, NJ?
No. The township code makes it unlawful to keep chickens, and only residents who already had them may keep them, without adding to or replacing the birds.
The rules at a glance
| Chickens allowed | No |
| Hens | Not permitted |
| Roosters | Not permitted |
| Permit | Not available (chickens are banned) |
| Coop setback | Not specified |
| Lot size | Not specified |
| Rule adopted | April 2025 |
| Ducks | Not addressed in the code |
Good to know
- Chickens are listed with cattle, bees, goats, guinea hens, hogs, horses, pigs, pigeons, sheep and swine as animals that may not be kept.
- Residents who already have chickens and bees may keep them but may not expand the number or replace the animals.
- The section was last amended 4-23-2025 by Ordinance No. 1230-25.
- Older sections on farm animals, fowl and bees were repealed in 1991 and replaced by this blanket rule.
What about ducks?
Unclear. Rochelle Park's ban names chickens, guinea hens and pigeons but not ducks. Ask the township before getting ducks.
§ 73-9.1: "No person shall keep within the Township of Rochelle Park any cattle, chickens, bees, goats, guinea hens, hogs, horses, ocelots, pigs (including potbelly pigs), pigeons, sheep, swine or any other animal that can be deemed dangerous to humans" Duck coops we build.
We build across Bergen County
Township of Rochelle Park doesn't allow backyard chickens today, but ordinances change, and we build custom sheds and animal structures on-site throughout Bergen 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 Bergen County towns
Compare them side by side in the Bergen 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.