Can you keep chickens in City of Wildwood, NJ?
No. Wildwood makes it unlawful to keep chickens or roosters anywhere in the city and treats them as a nuisance, with fines up to $200.
The rules at a glance
| Chickens allowed | No |
| Hens | Not permitted |
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Permit | Not available (chickens are banned) |
| Coop setback | Not specified |
| Lot size | Not specified |
Good to know
- Chickens and roosters are named alongside cows, horses, pigs, sheep and goats in the ban.
- Keeping any of them is declared a nuisance.
- Violations carry a fine of up to $200.
- The ban does not apply to special events or contracts authorized by the board of commissioners.
Source: City of Wildwood Code (eCode360), § 3-25.1, Keeping of Certain Animals Prohibited (view the ordinance)
Verified 2026-09. Ordinances change and zoning can differ by district; always confirm the current rules with the City of Wildwood clerk or zoning office before you build.
Chicken rules in nearby Cape May County towns
We build across Cape May County
City of Wildwooddoesn't allow backyard chickens today, but ordinances change, and we build custom sheds and animal structures on-site throughout Cape MayCounty 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.