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

Chapter 68 of the Wayne Township Code separates backyard birds from larger livestock. Article VII defines fowl as chickens, ducks, geese or other fowl. Under § 68-49, no fowl can fly or run at large, so every bird has to live in a suitable house or coop with an enclosed runway. Section 68-50 fixes the siting: no part of the coop, house or runway can be less than 25 feet from the doors or windows of any building occupied by human beings, and that covers dwellings and businesses alike. The same section requires coops, houses and runways to comply with Chapter 134, Land Development, respecting accessory structures, and plans must go to the Township Construction Official and Zoning Officer for approval. Section 68-50 was amended 6-1-2022 by Ord. No. 22-2022. Poultry kept in live poultry markets and poultry slaughterhouses fall under Article VII of Chapter 90 instead.

Article IV covers farm animals, a term the code defines to include roosters, goats, horses, sheep, swine or cattle. Under § 68-40, no one in Wayne Township can harbor or keep a farm animal except on an established farm and with written permission from the Township Department of Health. Section 68-41 bars farm animals from any dwelling house, requires every pen, stable or other keeping place to sit at least 50 feet from any building used as a dwelling or for business, and requires clean and sanitary conditions. Section 68-42 prohibits farm animals from running at large.

Homing, racing and carrier pigeons have their own article. Raising them is permitted under § 68-46, lofts must follow the Chapter 134 accessory-structure rules, and not more than 50 pigeons can be released at any one time.