NJ chicken rules · Middlesex County
Can you keep chickens in Township of Woodbridge, NJ?
Woodbridge bars chickens on residential property by default, but the Health Department can grant a discretionary special permit after an inspection finds the site suitable.
The rules at a glance
| Chickens allowed | Yes, with conditions |
| Hens | Not specified |
| Roosters | Not specified |
| Permit | Required (discretionary special permit from Health & Human Services, $75/year, after inspection) |
| Coop setback | Coop at least 10 ft from any property line, rear yard only, no more than 6 ft high and 20 sq ft |
| Lot size | No minimum; suitability decided by inspection |
Good to know
- The default rule prohibits keeping chickens and similar fowl on residential premises without the permit.
- The permit is renewed annually and is revocable.
- Current as of a 2025 amendment.
Source: Township of Woodbridge Code, Ch. 11 Animal Control (eCode360), § 11-8.1 — view the ordinance
Verified 2026-09. Ordinances change and zoning can differ by district — always confirm the current rules with the Township of Woodbridge clerk or zoning office before you build.
Building a coop in Township of Woodbridge?
Triano Farms builds custom, predator-proof chicken coops on-site across MiddlesexCounty 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.