[Adopted 3-25-2025 by Ord. No. 4460-25]
For purposes of this article, the following terms shall have the meanings ascribed to them:
BACKYARD CHICKEN FLOCK
A group of chickens kept by a property owner or occupant within the Township of Franklin, on a residential lot no smaller than 10,000 square feet in size, for personal, non-commercial use.
CHICKEN
A domesticated bird of the species Gallus gallus domesticus, raised for the purpose of laying eggs or for meat.
COOP
A fully enclosed structure designed to house chickens, providing adequate space, ventilation, and protection from the elements and predators.
RUN
A secure outdoor area attached to the coop where chickens are permitted to roam, provided that the area is sufficiently enclosed to prevent chickens from escaping or being harmed by predators.
A. 
Permit requirement.
(1) 
A property owner or occupant desiring to keep chickens shall first apply for a permit with the Municipal Animal Control Officer.
(2) 
The application shall include the number of chickens to be kept, the proposed location of the coop and run, and a description of the proposed enclosure and waste disposal plans.
(3) 
The initial permit shall be $25 and valid for one year. It shall be renewed annually with no additional permit fee.
(4) 
Residential properties keeping chickens under this article are not protected under the New Jersey Right-to-Farm Act (N.J.S.A. 4:1C et seq.) or the Franklin Township Right-to-Farm Ordinance (§§ 112-171 to 178).
B. 
Maximum number of chickens. The maximum number of chickens permitted per residential lot shall be:
Lot Size
Number of Chickens Permitted
10,000 to 19,999 square feet
2
20,000 to 39,999 square feet
4
40,000 to 59,999 square feet
6
4 additional chickens shall be permitted for each 20,000 square feet a property that is more than 60,000 square feet
C. 
Locations and setbacks.
(1) 
The coop and run must be located in the rear yard and not closer than 10 feet to any property line, 25 feet from any habitable structure on an adjacent property, and 50 feet from any water source (e.g., well, stream).
(2) 
The coop and run must be placed in a manner that does not obstruct the view of streets or sidewalks and comply with all applicable zoning laws.
D. 
Enclosure standards.
(1) 
The coop and run must be secure, constructed of durable materials, and well-maintained to ensure chickens cannot escape and that predators cannot gain access.
(2) 
The coop must provide a minimum of two square feet per chicken of floor space and sufficient ventilation. The total size of the coop cannot exceed one 80 square foot shelter with a maximum height of the shelter not to exceed six feet. The shelter must be kept in the rear yard.
(3) 
The run must provide a minimum of 10 square feet per chicken of outdoor space.
(4) 
If chickens are running free range (only permitted in daytime hours), the area where they are kept must be fenced in, following the setbacks shown above.
E. 
Waste management.
(1) 
Chicken waste must be collected and properly disposed of at least once every three days to prevent odor and attractants for pests.
(2) 
All waste must be stored in sealed containers or composted in a manner that prevents contamination or nuisance.
(3) 
Must comply with all state and local health regulations waste cannot generate odors that can be detected at an adjacent property line or within a public right-of-way.
F. 
Feed storage. All feed must be kept in a tightly sealed container. This container should be kept close to the shelter, not near a neighboring property line and must be rodent and pest free.
A. 
General care.
(1) 
The owner of the chicken flock must provide the chickens with adequate food, water, shelter, and care.
(2) 
The chickens must be kept in a manner that complies with all applicable animal welfare laws and must not be subjected to cruelty or neglect.
B. 
Health and sanitation.
(1) 
The coop and run must be cleaned regularly to maintain a sanitary environment and prevent the spread of disease.
(2) 
The owner must monitor the health of the chickens and take appropriate measures if any chickens exhibit signs of disease or distress, including consulting a veterinarian if necessary.
C. 
Noise and odor.
(1) 
The chickens must be kept in a manner that prevents excessive noise or odor that would be a nuisance to neighbors.
(2) 
If complaints of noise or odors arise, the permit holder may be required to take corrective measures, including relocation or improved sanitation practices.
A. 
Roosters: Roosters are prohibited in residential areas to prevent disturbance due to crowing.
B. 
Commercial use: Backyard chickens are for personal, non-commercial use only. Selling eggs, meat, or other products derived from chickens is prohibited.
C. 
Slaughtering: Slaughtering of chickens shall not occur on any residential property within the Township of Franklin.
D. 
Unattended flocks: Chickens must not be left unattended for extended periods without appropriate care, such as food, water, and protection from extreme weather conditions.
E. 
Other poultry: Egg-laying poultry other than chickens are specifically prohibited.
A. 
Inspections.
(1) 
The Municipal Animal Control Officer may inspect the premises where chickens are kept to ensure compliance with the requirements of this article.
(2) 
Inspections may occur upon receiving a complaint or during routine checks.
B. 
Violations and penalties.
(1) 
Any person, firm or corporation who shall violate any provision of this article shall, upon conviction thereof, be subject to the penalties as provided in Chapter 1, Article II, General Penalty, at the discretion of the court. Every day that a violation continues after due notice has been served in accordance with the terms and provisions hereof shall be deemed a separate offense.
(2) 
Failure to correct a violation after receiving notice may result in revocation of the permit to keep chickens.