[HISTORY: Adopted by the Township Committee of the Township of Medford 8-4-2015 by Ord. No. 2015-12. Amendments noted where applicable.]
A. 
Minimum residential lot size. A minimum lot size of 1/4 acre is required to keep chickens pursuant to this section. Keeping of chickens shall only be permitted in zoning districts for residential or agricultural use.
B. 
Number of allowable chickens. No more than nine female chickens may be kept on any residential lot.
C. 
Roosters; cockerels. Roosters and cockerels are prohibited.
D. 
Slaughtering. Slaughtering chickens in public view is prohibited.
E. 
Required shelters.
(1) 
Chickens shall be provided a fully enclosed shelter with a fenced enclosure. Shelters and enclosures shall be located in the rear yard.
(2) 
Shelters and enclosures shall be located at least 15 feet from any property line and at least 30 feet from any residential structure on an adjoining property.
(3) 
Shelters shall not exceed 60 square feet in size or eight feet in height.
(4) 
Fences shall not exceed six feet in height.
(5) 
Enclosures shall be kept clean.
F. 
Waste storage. Storage of manure, excreta, other waste odor or dust-producing substances associated therewith shall be located at least 15 feet from any lot line or at least 30 feet from any residential structure on an adjoining property, and shall be properly composted per health code and USDA guidelines or kept in a watertight container until it can be disposed of in a proper fashion off-site.
G. 
Feed storage. Animal feed stored outdoors shall be kept in metal containers with tight-fitting lids.
H. 
No running at large. No person owning, keeping, maintaining, harboring a chicken shall permit, suffer or allow a chicken to run at large upon any public streets or upon any private property.
I. 
No disturbing of peace. No person owning, keeping, maintaining or harboring a chicken shall permit, suffer or allow a chicken to disturb the peace or quiet of the neighborhood by creating a noise across a residential property line continually for 10 minutes or intermittently for 30 minutes, unless provoked.
J. 
Penalty. Any person owning, keeping, maintaining or harboring a chicken, who violates or fails or refuses to comply with the provisions of this § 86-1, shall be liable for a penalty as prescribed in § 1-16 of the Township Code.
K. 
The restrictions of this section shall not apply to agricultural properties qualifying under the Right to Farm Act.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: See N.J.S.A. 4:1C-1 et seq.
L. 
If a flock of chickens perish due to disease or suspected disease, the homeowner shall immediately notify the Burlington County Health Department.