Can you keep chickens in Township of South Hackensack, NJ?
No. South Hackensack's zoning code bans raising or keeping poultry and fowl anywhere in the township. The only exception is birds that were already there when the rule was adopted, and those flocks can't grow.
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 |
Good to know
- The ban covers all farm animals, livestock, poultry and fowl, including pigeons. Dogs and cats are the exception.
- Anyone who already kept these animals when the rule was adopted could keep them, but can't add to the number.
- Chapter 82 (Animals) bans wild animals and caps dogs and cats at two each. It doesn't mention poultry.
- The Board of Health nuisance chapter adopts the 1953 state nuisance code by reference. Its text isn't printed online.
Source: Township of South Hackensack Code (eCode360), § 208-12, Keeping of animals (view the ordinance)
Verified 2026-09. Ordinances change and zoning can differ by district; always confirm the current rules with the Township of South Hackensack clerk or zoning office before you build.
Chicken rules in nearby Bergen County towns
Compare them side by side in the Bergen County table.
AllendaleAlpineBergenfieldBogotaCarlstadtCliffside ParkClosterCresskillDemarestDumontEast RutherfordEdgewaterElmwood ParkEmersonEnglewoodEnglewood CliffsFair LawnFairviewFort LeeFranklin LakesGarfieldGlen RockHackensackHarrington ParkHasbrouck HeightsHaworthHillsdaleHo-Ho-KusLeoniaLittle FerryLodiLyndhurstMahwahMaywoodMidland ParkMontvaleMoonachieNew MilfordNorth ArlingtonNorthvaleNorwoodOaklandOld TappanOradellPalisades ParkParamusPark RidgeRamseyRidgefieldRidgefield ParkRidgewoodRiver EdgeRiver ValeRochelle ParkRockleighRutherfordSaddle BrookSaddle RiverTeaneckTenaflyUpper Saddle RiverWaldwickWallingtonWashingtonWestwoodWood-RidgeWoodcliff LakeWyckoff
We build across Bergen County
Township of South Hackensackdoesn'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.