Plainfield, NJ Animal Ordinances: Chickens & Livestock (2026)

The chicken ban is one line in § 5:7-6D of the Plainfield Municipal Code, titled Prohibited activities and treatment, last amended by Ord. No. MC 2021-33 on 10-12-2021. Subsection (e) reads that the keeping and raising of chickens for a noncommercial basis in residential properties is prohibited. It names no permit, no application, no maximum number of birds and no setback, and it does not carve out hens only or exempt a small flock. A household in the City of Plainfield that keeps chickens for eggs or as pets is inside the prohibition.

The neighboring subsections show the animal-care context. Subsection (a) bars withholding proper shelter, light, space, protection from weather and veterinary care. Subsection (b) requires sufficient edible food and potable water daily, in a proper container. Subsection (c) bans unnecessary suffering or cruelty, and (d) bars confining an animal in a parked vehicle for five or more minutes when the temperature is below 32° F. or above 85° F. Section 5:7-8 makes premises where animals are kept subject to City inspection, with a warrant if the owner forbids entry.

Chickens are not the only birds the code addresses. Article 8 of the same chapter allows pigeons only under conditions: a house or coop of not more than 800 cubic feet, not more than 100 pigeons at any time, and a location in the rear yard at least 75 feet from any inhabited dwelling. Chickens get no such conditions. For Article 4 only, § 5:4-1 defines "domestic animal" as any cat, dog, or livestock other than poultry.

Enforcement follows § 5:7-13A. An officer or agent who reasonably believes a provision of the article has been violated can seize the animal for impounding after written notice, delivered in person or posted on the premises, that orders compliance within twenty-four hours. The owner can regain possession within fourteen days on showing the violation is fixed; otherwise the animal is made available for adoption (§ 5:7-13B).