Can you keep chickens in City of Summit, NJ?
No. Summit's Board of Health code expressly bans keeping chickens and other fowl for domestic use. Its livestock permit path covers animals like goats and sheep, but not fowl.
The rules at a glance
| Chickens allowed | No |
| Hens | Not permitted |
| Roosters | Not permitted |
| Permit | Not available for fowl |
| Coop setback | Not specified |
| Lot size | Not specified |
| Ducks | Not allowed (same rule as chickens) |
Good to know
- The Board of Health code prohibits keeping chickens, ducks, geese, or other fowl for domestic use.
- A $50 Board of Health permit exists for certain livestock, but fowl are excluded.
- Confirm the current rules with the city before you build.
What about ducks?
No. Summit's Board of Health code names ducks in the same ban as chickens, so ducks can't be kept for domestic use.
§ BH:5-35: "Chicken, ducks, geese or other fowl shall not be kept for domestic use." Duck coops we build.
We build across Union County
City of Summit doesn't allow backyard chickens today, but ordinances change, and we build custom sheds and animal structures on-site throughout Union 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 Union County towns
Compare them side by side in the Union 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.