New Providence council opens study of a proposed backyard‑fowl ordinance

The Borough Council of New Providence discussed a draft policy framework for allowing and regulating egg‑laying fowl in residential neighborhoods, responding to ongoing neighbor complaints about noise, rodents and property encroachment.

Council liaisons said neighboring municipalities have adopted chicken ordinances and recommended the borough collect model regulations before proposing a local ordinance. The council outlined the issues it expects the ordinance to address: permitted species (egg‑laying fowl), limits on numbers, whether roosters would be allowed (several members opposed roosters), coop design and materials, setback and zoning rules to prevent encroachment, annual permitting and complaint‑driven or routine inspections, and sanitary safeguards to reduce pests and odors.

Members emphasized this is a study phase, not a final proposal. They directed staff to compile sample ordinances from nearby towns, consult the board of health, the planning board and legal counsel, and return with recommended language and enforcement options. Council members also noted the policy should be fair: existing homeowners with longstanding plantings or animals can face costly remediation, so any ordinance ought to provide realistic timelines and clear expectations.

The council did not vote on an ordinance tonight and made no changes to zoning or code; instead, members asked staff to prepare a proposed draft and impact analysis for a future meeting.

Next steps: staff will gather model ordinances, regulatory options and enforcement scenarios and report back to council for further consideration.