NJ chicken rules · Morris County
Can you keep chickens in Washington Township (Morris), NJ?
No dedicated backyard allowance. In Washington Township (Morris County / Long Valley), poultry is only recognized as farm-scale 'agriculture,' and coops aren't among the permitted residential accessory uses. Backyard chickens aren't currently allowed at residential scale; residents have an active petition to change that.
The rules at a glance
| Chickens allowed | No |
| Hens | Not specified (no residential backyard provision) |
| Roosters | Not specified |
| Permit | Not specified |
| Coop setback | Agricultural-building standards only |
| Lot size | Poultry falls under commercial agriculture (farm-scale) |
Good to know
- This is the Morris County Washington Township (Long Valley) — not the Warren, Bergen, or Gloucester townships of the same name, which have different rules.
- The permitted residential accessory-uses list (pools, sheds, garages, horse barns) does not include coops.
- Confirm with the township — an active petition may change this.
Source: Washington Township (Morris) Zoning Code (eCode360), Ch. 217, §§ 217-40 & 217-43 — view the ordinance
Verified 2026-09. Ordinances change and zoning can differ by district — always confirm the current rules with the Washington Township (Morris) clerk or zoning office before you build.
We build across Morris County
Washington Township (Morris)doesn't allow backyard chickens today, but ordinances change, and we build custom sheds and animal structures on-site throughout MorrisCounty and all of New Jersey. If a coop is in your plans, we can help you sort out where it's allowed nearby.
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.