Passaic Chicken Laws

Are chickens allowed in Passaic?	Yes (permitting required)
How many chickens can you have?	No official limits
Can you have roosters in Passaic?	No
Chicken coop placement rules:	Raised from the floor at least 6 inches
Application process:	Permit required
More information:	Passaic City Code

If you’re thinking about starting a chicken-raising venture in Passaic, it’s vital to gather information on the rules and regulations that are in place.

• Poultry farming is allowed within the city of Passaic, New Jersey, but the owner must acquire a license from the Division of Health. The license should specify the number of chickens allowed.
• No person shall offer for human consumption any poultry, whether alive or slaughtered, which is diseased, unfit, or may have died from any other causes other than slaughter.
• Live poultry shall not be allowed to run at large upon the licensed premises but shall be kept in cages or crates.
• All poultry shall be kept clean and sanitary at all times.
• Roosters: Due to the city’s noise ordinance, roosters are likely not allowed in Passaic. The ordinance prohibits any animal that makes “loud, frequent, and unnecessary noise”.
• Chicken Enclosures:
  • Chicken enclosures must be raised from the floor at least six inches to permit flushing and cleaning underneath them.
  • The enclosures must also provide ample, wholesome food and clean water for all live chickens.
• Poultry Market:
  • The Division of Health shall not issue licenses to operate poultry markets to more than three premises in the City of Passaic.
  • The flooring of live poultry markets must be composed of material impervious to moisture.
  • The flooring must be properly graded to prevent the pooling of liquid or waste and permit adequate drainage to floor drains.

In the course of time, cities may update their rules concerning backyard chickens. Therefore, contacting Passaic officials for the most current information is essential.

See other New Jersey chicken ordinances.

Last updated: 4/25/24