City of Gloucester, NJ Fowl and Other Animals, Keeping of

Minimum Lot Size. A minimum lot size of 50 feet by 100 feet is required to keep chickens or other domestic fowl pursuant to this section. Keeping of chickens or other domestic fowl shall only be permitted in RL zones of the City.

Prohibited areas. It shall be unlawful for any person to keep, permit or allow any fowl within the City of Gloucester City in any other zone except the RL zone and it shall be unlawful for any person to permit or keep any fowl in the RL zone if the property is a multifamily complex, a duplex, and all commercial properties.

Number of fowl allowable. No more than three hens shall be allowed per permitted dwelling.

Roosters and cockerels are prohibited.

Slaughtering shall not be permitted within the City limits.

Required shelters.

(1)

Fowl shall be provided a completely enclosed shelter with a fenced enclosure. Shelters and enclosures shall be located in the rear of the yard.

(2)

Shelters and enclosures shall be not less than 20 feet from the property line.

(3)

The shelter/enclosure shall be constructed, shall be at least two feet above the surface of the ground and shall have a concrete or brick base and/or foundation.

(4)

Shelter shall not exceed 60 square feet in size nor eight feet in height.

(5)

Fences shall not exceed six feet in height.

(6)

Enclosure shall be kept in a neat, sanitary condition at all times and must be cleaned on a regular basis so as to prevent offensive odors or disturbances of the peace.

Waste storage. Storage of manure, excreta, other waste odor or dust producing substances associated therewith shall be located at least 20 feet from any lot line, and shall be properly composted per health code and USDA guidelines or kept in a watertight container until it can be disposed of in a proper fashion off site.

Feed storage. Animal feed stored outdoors shall be kept in vermin proof containers, which shall be metal with tight fitting lids.

No running at large. No person owning, keeping, maintaining, harboring an animal subject to this ordinance shall permit, suffer or allow such animal to run at large upon any public streets or upon any private property or in any area of their property other than the rear yard.

No disturbing of the peace. No person owning, keeping, maintaining or harboring an animal under this ordinance shall permit, suffer or allow such animal to disturb the peace or quiet of the neighborhood by creating a noise across a residential property line continually for 10 minutes or intermittently for 30 minutes, unless provoked.

Enclosures. Enclosures referenced within this ordinance must be constructed of proper wire and pressure treated materials and kept in good condition at all times.

Permit. A permit shall be required to permit the keeping of fowl under this ordinance. Said permit shall require approval by the Zoning Officer, if all land use requirements are met, otherwise approval by the Zoning Board in the form of a variance. The permit fee shall be $50 annually and shall be payable to the Building and Housing Department. An inspection will take place annually as part of the annual fee payment.

Penalty. Any person owning, keeping, maintaining or harboring a fowl, who violates any provision of this ordinance or fails or refuses to comply with the provisions of this ordinance shall be liable for penalties as prescribed under the Property Maintenance Codes Chapters 55 and 66 of the Gloucester City Code and of the Gloucester City Development Ordinance.

The restrictions of this ordinance shall not apply to agricultural properties qualifying under the Right to Farm Act.

Notice of disease. If any animals subject to this ordinance perish due to disease or suspected disease the home owner shall immediately notify the City of Gloucester City and the Camden Board of Health.

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Editor's Note: Ordinance No. O05-2016 was adopted February 18, 2016.