South Orange Livestock Laws

As Maplewood residents consider the pros and cons of backyard chickens, some South Orange residents have wondered about the livestock laws in this community.

On Monday, voted to introduce the ordinance that would permit a pilot program to allow up to 15 Maplewood households to raise as many as 3 hens for egg production for a one-year period.

South Orange’s current code prohibits chickens, along with other farm animals. Specifically, the code reads, “No person shall keep or harbor any animal, including farm animals, within the Township of South Orange Village except for any dogs and cats in compliance with the provisions of this chapter.” The chapter details dog and cat license rules and fees.

The issue of keeping chickens has not been raised recently in South Orange, according to Village President Alex Torpey, though it is a hotly-debated issue in Maplewood.  

Longtime residents recall chickens in South Orange. Rosa Zisa, who lived on Academy Street as a child, recalls that the yard of her family home sloped downwards from the house. The part of the yard closest to the house was for a patio, she explains, then a garden, and play space. “We had chicken coops in the part of the yard closest to the garage. My job was to gather eggs.” Zisa recalls neighbors keeping chickens into the early 1950s.

There are no known instances of South Orange residents violating the current prohibition.

"It's a nice memory for me," says Zisa, "but I buy eggs now."

The  code reads:

§ 69-2. Compliance required.

[Amended 2-23-2004 by Ord. No. 04-2] No person shall keep or harbor any animal, including farm animals, within the Township of South Orange Village except for any dogs and cats in compliance with the provisions of this chapter and/or Chapter 170, Cat Licensing.