Newark's Zoning Code (Ord. 08-33) limits agricultural uses including the keeping of poultry and livestock to agricultural and certain residential-suburban (R-S) zones. Most R-1/R-2/R-3 residential lots in the city are not zoned for backyard chickens.
Under the Newark Zoning Code adopted by Ord. 08-33, agricultural uses - including keeping chickens, ducks, goats, and other livestock - are principal permitted uses only in agricultural districts and certain low-density R-S (Suburban Residence) districts subject to lot-size and setback rules. Standard urban residential zones (R-1 Single-Family, R-2 General Residence, R-3 Multifamily) do not list 'keeping of poultry' as a permitted accessory use. Roosters and crowing fowl can also independently trigger §634.04(a)(1) noise violations even in zones where hens are allowed. Owners should verify their parcel's zoning with the Newark Engineering & Zoning Department before acquiring birds.
Zoning violations are typically prosecuted as fourth-degree misdemeanors under §698.02 - up to $250 fine, 30 days jail - with each day a separate offense. Animal-noise complaints (rooster crowing) escalate under §634.04.
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