Montclair Has ‘Impeckable’ New Rules For Raising Chickens

MONTCLAIR, NJ — Montclair has some “im-peck-able” new rules when it comes to raising chickens in the township.

The Montclair Town Council recently approved revisions to the municipal code that tweak the rules for keeping chickens on private property. Ordinance O-22-25 amends Chapter 82 (Animals) Article IV (Animal Raising) of the Code of Township of Montclair. Watch a video of the council’s vote on the new law below.

Here’s what to know about the changes, according to town officials:

“As in the past, all chickens/coops are required by township ordinance to be licensed, similar to cats and dogs. The current ordinance now affords the chickens to be contained in a run, which promotes natural chicken behavior such as ground-scratching, foraging for grubs and taking dust baths. Our goal for these revisions was to offer the chickens a more natural and humane way of life, which, in turn, allows the flock to remain healthy and happy! All Montclair residents who own chickens shall submit an application for the chickens and coop on their premises. This application will be processed by Animal Control, and once an animal control officer has reviewed the application, visited the property to inspect the chickens/coop and approves the application, the resident shall pay the $25 license fee and obtain a license number for the current year. All coop licenses shall be renewed annually before the end of the current year. Residents are welcome to contact Animal Control with any questions about the coop registration process at AnimalControlOfficer@MontclairNJusa.org, and please use the subject ‘chicken coop license.’”

Sound like an “egg-cellent” idea? Here are some links that may help, officials said:

• Chicken Coop License Application
• Current Chicken Ordinance
• Survey for Chicken Owners
• Adopting and Caring for Backyard Chickens
• Helpful Links For Small Flock Management

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