Can you keep chickens in Borough of Rumson, NJ?
No. A 2024 ordinance makes it unlawful to keep farm animals in Rumson, and the code counts chickens as farm animals. The only exception is a recognized and approved farm.
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 |
| Rule adopted | Sept 2024 |
| Ducks | Not allowed (same rule as chickens) |
Good to know
- Added 9-10-2024 by Ord. No. 24-008G as § 5-12, Prohibited Non-Domestic Animals and Farm Animals.
- The farm animal definition names poultry (chickens, turkeys) and fowl (ducks, geese).
- The only carve-out is a recognized and approved farm in the Borough. Honey bees are excluded from the farm animal definition.
- The Animal Control Officer or a Rumson police officer decides whether an animal counts as a farm animal.
What about ducks?
No. Rumson bans farm animals except on an approved farm, and its definition of farm animals names ducks.
§ 5-12.1 (Farm animals); § 5-12.2: "FARM ANIMALS Those animals commonly associated with a farm ... including ... sheep, poultry (chickens, turkeys), fowl (ducks, geese), swine" Duck coops we build.
We build across Monmouth County
Borough of Rumson doesn't allow backyard chickens today, but ordinances change, and we build custom sheds and animal structures on-site throughout Monmouth 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 Monmouth County towns
Compare them side by side in the Monmouth 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.