Can you keep chickens in City of Somers Point, NJ?
No. It is unlawful to keep any fowl in Somers Point, and the code defines fowl to include chickens and hens.
The rules at a glance
| Chickens allowed | No |
| Hens | Not permitted |
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Permit | Not available (chickens are banned) |
| Coop setback | Not applicable |
| Lot size | Not specified |
| Ducks | Not allowed (same rule as chickens) |
Good to know
- The ban covers keeping, stabling, breeding or quartering fowl or livestock anywhere in the city.
- Cats, dogs and other domestic animals allowed elsewhere in the animals chapter are not affected.
- A first offense draws a fine of $200 to $500, and each day counts as a separate violation.
- The article was added in 2013 by Ordinance No. 19-2013.
What about ducks?
No. Somers Point makes it unlawful to keep fowl, and its definition of fowl names ducks.
§ 120-40 (Fowl); § 120-41: "FOWL Any chicken, hen, turkey, goose, duck, emu, ostrich, or any other fowl or poultry customarily found on a farm, and pigeons." Duck coops we build.
We build across Atlantic County
City of Somers Point doesn't allow backyard chickens today, but ordinances change, and we build custom sheds and animal structures on-site throughout Atlantic 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 Atlantic County towns
Compare them side by side in the Atlantic 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.