What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? New Jersey
Recently, I have started to raise six chickens in my backyard. The township has just sent me a letter claiming that I am in violation of zoning laws which state that agriculture can only take place on land "not less than five acres in area."
However, in the same chapter of the township's code, a "Right to Farm" section states that:
"The right to farm all land is hereby recognized to exist as a natural right and is also hereby ordained to exist as a permitted use everywhere in the Township of West Windsor, regardless of zoning designation and regardless of specified uses and prohibited uses set forth elsewhere in this part."
It goes on to list the non-intensive production of fowl (like my chickens) as covered under this chapter.
Should I be able to keep my chickens? And if so, what should I do next?
Thanks so much for your help!
Recently, I have started to raise six chickens in my backyard. The township has just sent me a letter claiming that I am in violation of zoning laws which state that agriculture can only take place on land "not less than five acres in area."
However, in the same chapter of the township's code, a "Right to Farm" section states that:
"The right to farm all land is hereby recognized to exist as a natural right and is also hereby ordained to exist as a permitted use everywhere in the Township of West Windsor, regardless of zoning designation and regardless of specified uses and prohibited uses set forth elsewhere in this part."
It goes on to list the non-intensive production of fowl (like my chickens) as covered under this chapter.
Should I be able to keep my chickens? And if so, what should I do next?
Thanks so much for your help!
