If you want some real eggs in your backyard by Easter, it's time to start planning now.

Maplewood Health Officer Robert Roe said that, as of Jan. 3, only five families have applied to participate in the one-year pilot program for backyard chicken farming.

Maplewood residents interested in participating in the newly approved Backyard Chicken Raising Pilot Program can contact the Maplewood Health Dept. to get an application form, neighbor consent form and implementation plan. (The forms and plan are also attached here as a pdf.)

Up to 15 families will be selected to raise up to 3 hens in backyards around town starting March 1 — and contingent upon their neighbors' approval.

The application fee is $25.

Potential chicken farmers can drop by the Health Dept. to pick up the necessary forms and information, download or print out the attached, email Health Officer Bob Roe at healthofficer@twp.maplewood.nj.us, or call 973-762-8120 x4400.

Applicants will have two opportunities to complete the mandatory orientation session — one will be held on Sat. Jan. 7, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. at the main branch of the Maplewood Memorial Library and the other on Wed., Jan. 11, 2012 at 7:00 p.m. at main branch of the Maplewood Memorial Library. Persons participating in the Pilot Program must attend one of these sessions.

Other pertinent dates related to the application and approval process are:

• Lottery submission date: Jan. 18, 2012.
• Lottery picks date: Jan. 19, 2012. Winners will be notified.
• Applications due: Feb. 8, 2012.
• Inspections of completed coops: Feb. 20 to 29, 2012.
• March 1, 2012: Residents who have completed the application process and have approved inspections can begin raising chickens. 

Applicants will need to submit a plan for their chicken coop and run, a diagram of property showing distances from house and neighboring properties, and a consent forms from all contiguous neighboring properties, as well as agree to follow all sections of Township Ordinance establishing the pilot program for backyard chicken raising.

Those applying must agree to permit inspection of their property at any time by Township of Maplewood Inspectors and agree that the permit for backyard chicken raising pilot can be revoked for violation of the ordinance or unsanitary conditions.