6 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 3 cities in Union County, New Jersey.
Verified from official government sources
Most Union County municipalities prohibit backyard chickens due to dense suburban development. Elizabeth Chapter 6.04 bans all fowl in residential zones. Westfield, Summit, Cranford, and Linden prohibit chickens by zoning. Scotch Plains and Berkeley Heights (larger lots) permit limited hens with permits. Roosters prohibited countywide. Livestock limited to agricultural-zoned parcels which are rare in Union County. Union County Board of Health enforces sanitary violations under N.J.S.A. 26:3-64.
Dog leash laws are set by individual municipalities in Union County. NJ state law (N.J.S.A. 4:19-15.2) requires annual dog licensing through the municipal clerk. Dogs must be under control at all times.
No breed-specific legislation exists in Union County or NJ. The NJ Vicious and Potentially Dangerous Dog Act (N.J.S.A. 4:19-17 et seq.) uses a behavior-based approach rather than banning specific breeds.
Beekeeping in New Jersey requires registration with the NJ Department of Agriculture under the Apiary Act (N.J.S.A. 4:6-9.1 et seq.). Individual municipalities may have additional zoning restrictions.
New Jersey strictly regulates exotic animal possession under N.J.S.A. 23:4-63.3. A NJDEP permit is required to possess any exotic or potentially dangerous species. NJDEP publishes a list of exempt species.
NJ Division of Fish & Wildlife prohibits feeding of black bears (N.J.A.C. 7:25-5.25) statewide. Union County municipalities also restrict feeding of deer, feral cats, and waterfowl to prevent nuisance conditions.
3 cities in Union County have their own animal ordinances rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
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Union County Ordinance Hub →