How Brick Handles Animal Ordinances: A Practical Guide

Brick maintains 38 local ordinances across all categories, and 4 of those deal specifically with animal ordinances. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Brick falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

Beekeeping

Brick Township regulates the keeping and housing of animals by class. Beekeeping (Class V animals) is limited to no more than 25 animals per property, kept in a covered enclosure within zoning setback lines, with size approved by the Animal Control Officer.

Key details: Code Section: Chapter 104 (Class V animals). Maximum: 25 animals per property. Enclosure: Covered, within setback lines. State Registration: Required (N.J.S.A. 4:6-9).

Exceeding the 25-animal limit or failing to meet enclosure requirements violates Chapter 104. General penalties up to $2,000.

Breed Restrictions

Brick Township does not have breed-specific legislation. New Jersey follows a behavior-based approach under the Vicious and Potentially Dangerous Dog Act (N.J.S.A. 4:19-17 et seq.). Individual dogs are classified based on actions, not breed.

Key details: Breed Bans: None. State Law: N.J.S.A. 4:19-17 (behavior-based). Determination By: Municipal Court. BSL in NJ: Very rare.

Potentially dangerous dog license fees are significantly higher. Failure to comply with court-ordered restrictions may result in seizure of the animal.

Brick is more permissive than most cities when it comes to breed restrictions. That said, there are still limits.

Dog Leash Laws

Brick Township requires all dogs to be leashed and under owner control when off the owner's property. All dogs must be licensed per NJ state law. The township contracts with an Animal Control provider for enforcement.

Key details: Leash Required: Yes, in all public places. Licensing: Required annually (Clerk's Office). Rabies Vaccine: Required for licensing. Animal Control: Contracted provider.

Dogs at large may be impounded. Licensing violations carry penalties under NJ state law. General ordinance penalties up to $2,000.

Compared to other cities, Brick takes a harder line on dog leash laws. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

Exotic Pets

Brick Township prohibits all Class I animals. Class II, III, and V animals require sheltered buildings and fully enclosed corrals. Class II and III animal housing must be at least 100 feet from property lines on parcels of 5+ acres. NJ state permits required for most exotics.

Key details: Class I Animals: Prohibited entirely. Class II/III Housing: 100 ft from property lines, 5+ acres. Class IV Limit: 4 per property. State Permit: NJDEP N.J.A.C. 7:25-4.1.

Keeping Class I animals is a violation. Failure to meet housing requirements carries penalties up to $2,000.

This is one of the stricter rules in Brick's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

The Bottom Line

Brick is tougher than many cities when it comes to animal ordinances. Out of the 4 rules covered here, 2 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Brick, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.

These rules come from Brick's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.