Count Your Chickens: Tinton Falls Backyard Chicken Program Is A Go, Report Says

TINTON FALLS, NJ — Residents of Tinton Falls will soon be able to apply for a license to keep backyard chickens, a report says.

The five council members voted to approve a two-year pilot program Tuesday, the Asbury Park Press reported.

The next step is to create a Chicken Advisory Board, which will be responsible for teaching residents how to care for their chickens. The CAB handle any complaints, develop protocol for raising chicks, and perform inspections.

The board will be made up of six appointees, including one from the Monmouth County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (MCSPCA), borough documents show.

Residents of a single-family home with a minimum lot six of half an acre will be eligible to participate. No more than 25 licenses will be issued each year during the pilot program; licenses will be $10. And, there is a limit for 4 chickens per license -- no roosters.

The chickens must have a coop and a run with certain parameters to allow them enough space, and that are at least 20 feet from the houses next door. Chickens are allowed to roam free if the yard is fenced, and if an adult human supervisor is watching them. Overnight, they must stay in the coop. And, owners must keep the enclosures clean "to prevent offensive odors."

Selling of eggs is not allowed; the same follows for slaughtering chickens in the borough.

More guidelines and regulations are available on the borough council's web page, in the October 18 meeting packet.