As it turns out, it ain't just chicken feed
- Feb 19, 2025
- 1 min read
Backyard chickens continue to be a hot button issue in the Township.
The first meeting of the Land Use Board in 2025 saw an appeal of a zoning violation for holding chickens in the RR5 zone on a property under 5 acres.
The hearing was quite involved, with expert witnesses and lawyers and testimony happening on both sides of the issue. The Board was split in their opinion, with some arguing that back yard chickens are de rigeur in our very rural and farm-oriented community, and others sympathetic to that notion nonetheless arguing that the current statute seemed to prohibit them.
A number of issues were raised including Right to Farm, definition of a Farm within the Township, classification of farm livestocks vs. pets, chickens vs roosters, and other related topics.
Ultimately the Land Use Board voted to side with the zoning officer and original complainant, which effectively declares back yard chickens to be an unpermitted use within the Township for parcels under 5 acres of land. However, Chairman Tomenchok noted that the Township and Land Use Board were very sympathetic to those who wish to keep chickens, and a chicken ordinance has been in the works for some time.
The door was also left open for the respondent and others to apply for variances to allow for chickens on their property even if under 5 acres.
This is ridiculous. It is a farming community. People moving in from the city need to go back if the have issues with farm animals. Let's use something that most people don't have anymore COMMON SENSE. If under 5 acres eggs must be used for personal use and not sold. I have no issues with anyone selling their eggs, produce, honey, etc. regardless of how many acres they own. The township needs to protect these individuals and update their ordinances.
You forgot to mention the board said you can’t have rabbits either. There also isn’t an ordinance regarding barn cats. Hunterdon 4H is going to have a field day with this one.