| Are chickens allowed in Bayonne? | No |
| How many chickens can you have? | 0 |
| Can you have roosters in Bayonne? | No |
| Chicken coop placement rules: | Not applicable |
| Application process: | Not applicable |
| More information: | Bayonne City Code |
Bayonne residents used to be able to raise chickens in their backyards, but not anymore:
- Prohibition of Chicken Keeping: Backyard chicken keeping is strictly prohibited in all zones of Bayonne, including commercial and industrial areas.
- This ban applies to all species, breeds, and even roosters.
- Exception for Homing Pigeons: The prohibition on pigeons also extends to all species and breeds, except for homing pigeons owned by residents who are active members in good standing of any recognized New Jersey Pigeon Club.
- Ordinance Adoption: This law was adopted in 2022 as part of the city’s animal care and control regulations.
- Grandfather Clause: Residents who were already breeding, keeping, harboring, raising, and/or caring for chickens and pigeons prior to the introduction of this ordinance are exempt from its provisions.
- However, this exemption is valid only if the registered animals are still alive. Once these animals are no longer living, the ordinance will apply.
Exemptions:
- The following individuals may be exempt from the ordinance:
- Active Members of New Jersey Pigeon Clubs: Residents who are active members in good standing of any recognized New Jersey Pigeon Club and own homing pigeons are allowed to keep them.
- Pre-existing Registrants: Residents who were already breeding, keeping, harboring, raising, and/or caring for chickens and pigeons prior to the introduction of this ordinance can be exempted by registering their animals with the city.
As time goes on, cities can modify their regulations regarding backyard chickens. That’s why it’s essential to get in touch with Bayonne officials to know the current details.
Start Raising Chickens
See other New Jersey chicken ordinances.
Last updated: 4/25/24