NJ chicken rules · Passaic County
Can you keep chickens in West Milford Township, NJ?
Yes. West Milford allows up to 12 hens on properties under an acre, with a required zoning permit. Roosters are prohibited, hens must be contained in a rear-yard coop, and larger lots (1+ acre) are governed by farm zoning.
The rules at a glance
| Chickens allowed | Yes, with conditions |
| Hens | Up to 12 hens (lots under 1 acre) |
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Permit | Zoning permit required |
| Coop setback | Rear yard; side/rear zoning setbacks; manure 10 ft from lines |
| Lot size | This rule is for lots under 1 acre; 1+ acre falls under farm zoning |
Good to know
- Only female chickens ('hens') are permitted under an acre.
- Hens must be contained — no free-roaming; feed kept in tight containers.
- The hen limit was raised from 6 to 12 in 2021.
Source: West Milford Township Code (eCode360), Ch. 71, §§ 71-42 to 71-49 — view the ordinance
Verified 2026-09. Ordinances change and zoning can differ by district — always confirm the current rules with the West Milford Township clerk or zoning office before you build.
Building a coop in West Milford Township?
Triano Farms builds custom, predator-proof chicken coops on-site across PassaicCounty and all of New Jersey, sized to your flock and built to your town's rules.
New to this? Start with how to raise chickens in NJ, or what a coop costs.
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.