Jersey City prohibits keeping chickens and other farm livestock within the city under Chapter 90. The city is zoned as a dense urban area with no agricultural districts supporting backyard poultry.
Chapter 90 (Animals) of the Jersey City Code of Ordinances prohibits the keeping of farm animals, poultry, or livestock within city limits. Chickens, roosters, ducks, geese, turkeys, goats, pigs, sheep, and cattle are not permitted in residential, commercial, or mixed-use zones. Jersey City is one of the most densely populated cities in the United States and is entirely classified under urban zoning districts (R-1, R-1A, R-2, R-3, R-4, and various commercial and mixed-use districts) with no agricultural zone. The ordinance is intended to protect public health, prevent rodent infestation, control odor, and limit disease vectors in high-density neighborhoods. Keeping of exotic livestock such as pot-bellied pigs is also prohibited except where specifically permitted by Chapter 90 animal control provisions. Complaints about unlawful animal keeping are handled by the Jersey City Animal Control unit operating through the contracted shelter provider.
Fines under Chapter 90 commonly start at $100 per offense with additional per-day penalties for ongoing violations. Animals may be impounded and ownership forfeited.
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