SOUTH JERSEY (KYW Newsradio) — Collingswood has passed a new ordinance that allows residents to raise chickens in their backyards.
Residents must have at least 4,000 square feet of property to qualify for a chicken coop. The maximum is 12 hens per coop — and no roosters.
Mayor Daniela Solano-Ward said they want this ordinance to exist peacefully in neighborhoods.
“Make sure that it’s done responsibly and in a way that isn’t going to overly affect neighbors any more so than your neighbor getting a dog,” she said.
Only 30 licenses will be awarded to start. Applications are currently being accepted.
Solano-Ward said the town will ensure each coop is up to code.
“When you make your enclosure, there’s a board, an advisory board, and they come out to your home to make sure that it’s safe from critters, the food storage is safe, that the hens would be safe,” she explained.
And, anyone who wants to apply for a chicken coop must attend a three-hour class and pass a test to verify they know and understand all requirements and responsibilities.
Solano-Ward added that every complaint will be taken seriously, as a complaint against one home could jeopardize the entire program.
