Brick, NJ Animal Ordinances: Chickens & Livestock (2026)
Key Facts
- Chicken limit
- 4 birds without special enclosure
- Class V bird limit
- 25 pigeons/doves, covered enclosure
- Livestock minimum lot
- 5 acres for horses, cows, goats
- Livestock setback
- 100 feet from property line
- Class I animals
- Lions, tigers banned outright
Summary
Brick Township caps backyard chickens at four unless housed in a covered, setback-compliant enclosure approved by Animal Control, and requires horses, cows, goats and pigs to sit on at least five acres, 100 feet from property lines.
No more than four animals of Class IV shall be kept or maintained on any property unless they are contained in a covered enclosure within all zoning setback lines applicable for accessory uses with the size of the enclosure being adequate for the number of animals contained as may be approved by the Township Animal Control Officer.
§ 98-34.1. Class V animals. [Added12-27-2024 by Ord. No. 14-24]
A. No more than 25 animals of Class V shall be kept or maintained on any property unless they are contained in a covered enclosure within all zoning setback lines applicable for accessory uses with the size of the enclosure being adequate for the number of animals contained as may be approved by the Township Animal Control Officer.
B. No animal of Class V shall be raised, maintained or bred for the purposes of human consumption.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4577344; v53 updated 2025-12-09; through 12-09-2025).
Full Breakdown
Chapter 98's Class IV rules cap chickens, turkeys, ducks and similar fowl at four birds per property (§ 98-34), rising to 25 for Class V birds like pigeons and doves (§ 98-34.1) under the 2024 amendment, unless kept in a covered enclosure sized for the flock and set back within all zoning accessory-use lines, subject to Animal Control Officer approval. Larger livestock, horses (Class II) and cows, sheep, pigs or goats (Class III), need a minimum five-acre parcel with the barn or stable at least 100 feet from the property line (§ 98-30), plus a 1,600-square-foot pen per animal (§ 98-31.A). Class I animals (lions, tigers) are banned outright (§ 98-28).
Violations & Fines
Violations of Chapter 98's Article VI are punishable under the Township's general penalty, § 1-15: up to a $2,000 fine, 90 days in jail, or community service, with each day counted as a separate offense (§ 98-36).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep backyard chickens in Brick Township?
Do I need acreage to keep horses or goats in Brick?
How many pigeons can I keep in Brick Township?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Brick
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