In some New Jersey residential neighborhoods, pygmy or miniature goats and sheep are permitted as pets. But before acquiring any goats or sheep, check with your local zoning office or animal control to see if such animals are allowed in your neighborhood. The following New Jersey municipalities, for example, allow goats and sheep in residential districts.
Stafford Township, NJ
Goats and sheep are considered "small farm animals" in Stafford Township, NJ. To own a small farm animal in the Township, an annual Small Farm Animal Permit is required. Your application for a permit should be submitted and approved by the Stafford Animal Control Department before you acquire any animals. The minimum lot size required for the keeping of goats and sheep in the Township is 0.20 acres with a single-family home. Your animal enclosure or pen should be located in the backyard and at least 10 feet from all property lines. In addition, there should be adequate fencing to prevent the animals from escaping. For more details, visit Stafford Township's website.
Newark, NJ
You can own sheep or goats in the City of Newark, NJ, but not without first obtaining a permit from the Director of the Department of Health and Community Wellness. The permit, which expires annually on December 31, should be registered in the Office of the Division of Environmental Health. Under the permit, you should not herd or lead any goat or sheep upon and along any sidewalk or footpath within the City. Any goat or sheep found grazing or pasturing on any street or other public place in the City is deemed as running at large, according to Newark's municipal code.
Hamilton Township, NJ
In Hamilton Township, you can own goats or sheep as long as you keep them 100 feet away from any door or window of a dwelling. According to the Township's Code of Ordinances, no person shall erect or maintain within the Township any shed or pen for sheep or goats that is closer than 100 feet to any door or window of a dwelling. Furthermore, you should not keep your animal shed or pen in an unclean or otherwise unsanitary condition.
Clifton, NJ
In Clifton, NJ, you can have backyard goats or sheep provided you obtain written permission from the Health Officer. You can apply for a permit online or by contacting the City of Clifton's Health Department at (973) 470-5760.
Franklin Borough, NJ
A land of two acres is required for the keeping of backyard goats and sheep in Franklin Borough, New Jersey. No more than one goat or sheep is allowed per acre, according to the Borough's animal-keeping ordinance. All goats and sheep are required to be provided with a pen or fenced area. Such a pen or fenced area should at all times be maintained in a clean and sanitary condition, as required by ordinance.
Franklin Township, NJ
Goats and sheep are classified as "medium-sized animals" under Franklin Township's animal ordinance. For the keeping of medium-sized animals in the Township, a minimum of one acre is required for a dwelling unit and one additional acre for the animals. In essence, you need to have two acres of land to own goats or sheep in Franklin Township, NJ. Up to 5 goats or sheep are allowed per acre and no more than 7 animals per acre after 3 acres. Structures to house goats and sheep are required to be located 20 feet from property lines, 40 feet from the animal owner's dwelling, or 120 feet from any neighboring dwelling. Each animal enclosure should provide at least 20 square feet of ground space per animal.
Toms River, NJ
Not more than seven goats or seven sheep are permitted per acre of land in Toms River, New Jersey. According to Toms River's municipal code, no person, firm or organization should keep goats or sheep in a greater quantity or on a lot smaller than an acre. Any individual that violates this rule will be punished by a fine of $200 or a 90-day imprisonment.
Woodbridge, NJ
A special permit is required to keep sheep and goats in Woodbridge, New Jersey. The permit is issued by the Department of Health and Human Services. But before you're issued a permit, the Department will have your property inspected and determine if such place and premises are suitable for the housing of goats or sheep. Once you're granted a permit, you should comply with all requirements outlined in the Woodbridge Township Land Use and Development Ordinance. According to the Township Code, your permit may be revoked if, by a subsequent inspection, it has been determined that the area in which your animals are kept has not been maintained in a sanitary condition.
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