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Englishtown City Zoning Code

§ 620-29.1

Livestock prohibited; chickens excepted.

[Added 9-25-2024 by Ord. No. 2024-16; amended 3-11-2026 by Ord. No. 2026-01]
A. 
Purpose. The purpose of this section is to prohibit the keeping, breeding and raising of livestock within the boundaries of the Borough of Englishtown to promote public health, safety and welfare.
B. 
Definition.
CHICKEN
For purposes of this section, the term "chicken" shall mean a female chicken, also known as a hen.
LIVESTOCK
Animals typically kept for agriculture, breeding or recreational purposes, including but not limited to horses, cows, pigs, goats, sheep, chickens, ducks, turkeys, geese, llamas, alpacas and other farm animals.
ROOSTER
A male chicken.
C. 
Prohibition. No person shall keep, breed or raise livestock, except for chickens, within the boundaries of Englishtown Borough, including residential, commercial, industrial and any other designated zoning areas. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no person shall keep, breed, or raise roosters within the Borough.
D. 
Exceptions.
(1) 
Veterinary clinics, animal hospitals and animal shelters operated in compliance with all applicable local, state and federal regulations.
(2) 
Temporary agricultural events such as fairs, petting zoos or educational exhibits provided that property permits are obtained from the Township and the events comply with all health and safety regulations.
(3) 
Existing livestock operations that have been lawfully established prior to the enactment of this section may continue to operate under a grandfather clause, provided that they comply with all relevant health and safety regulations. However, any expansion or increase in the number of livestock, except for chickens, shall be prohibited.
(4) 
Chickens, while permitted, are required to be kept in a roofed shelter or coop and enclosed in a fenced area. Chickens are not permitted to roam freely beyond the limits of the shelter/coop. Chain-link, metal wire or mesh fence shall fully enclose the chicken run and shall be securely constructed with fence or netting overhead. All feedings shall occur inside of the coop and not in the chicken run. For purposes of this subsection, "chickens" shall mean hens only; roosters are prohibited. No more than five chickens shall be permitted per residential lot.