Can I Have Chickens In My Backyard in Michigan?

Backyard chickens are becoming more common across Michigan as people look for fresh eggs, a closer connection to their food, and even a few feathered companions. Before starting, it is important to understand the rules that apply to your area.

Each city, township, and county sets its own requirements. Some communities, like Ann Arbor, allow small flocks, while others, like Flint, do not permit chickens at all.

To make things simple, we have gathered regulations for major cities and townships, along with county contacts for unincorporated areas. You will find permit details, flock size limits, and coop standards explained clearly so you can plan your backyard chicken journey.

Is It Legal to Have Chickens in Your Backyard in Michigan?

Michigan does not have statewide chicken laws. Instead, they depend largely on where you live. For example, Ann Arbor permits them while Flint strictly prohibits them. 

Check out your city’s requirements below.

Do You Need A Permit For Chickens in Michigan?

Yes, most places only allow backyard chickens with the proper permit. You may need a chicken keeping permit and a building or zoning permit for your coop. 

How Many Chickens Can I Have in Michigan?

Typically, you can have between 4 and 6 chickens, but the exact number depends on where you reside. For example, Southfield allows 12 hens while Pontiac only allows 3. 

Can I Let My Chickens Free-Range in My Backyard?

Almost all areas require chickens to be kept in a coop or other enclosure. In fact, many enforce strict standards for attached runs, cleanliness, predator-proofing, and more. 

If you need a coop that complies with local regulations, build a custom chicken coop. This allows you to select specific features such as runs, cleaning solutions, predator-proof options, and more.

Can I Have A Rooster In My Backyard in Michigan?

No, it’s prohibited in most areas. If you want to keep roosters, your property must likely be above a specific size or be zoned for agricultural uses. Contact your local planning or zoning official for more information.

Can I Sell My Chicken Eggs in Michigan?

This depends on where you live, as some localities may have laws strictly prohibiting keeping backyard chickens to sell their eggs. Check out the charts below to find out what your area allows.

Chicken Laws For Cities in Michigan

Below are several notable Michigan municipalities and whether they allow backyard chickens. You can click on your city or township on the left to access your area’s regulations.

Does Ann Arbor, Michigan, Allow Backyard Chickens?

Yes, under the following conditions:

• No more than six hens are kept
• The proper permit is obtained from the City Clerk
• Roosters are not allowed
• Chickens are kept in a covered enclosure or coop
• Coop is located no less than 40 feet from any residential structure on a neighboring property

Contact the Planning Department to ensure all requirements are met.

Does Canton Township, Michigan, Allow Backyard Chickens?

They appear to be permitted in rural residential zoning districts, but the specifics are unclear. Contact the Planning Department for more information.

Does Clinton Township, Michigan, Allow Backyard Chickens?

Yes, with a chicken-keeping permit. To obtain a permit, the following requirements must be met:

• No more than four hens may be kept
• Roosters aren’t permitted
• Chickens must be kept in a proper enclosure that:
  • It is capable of supporting wind and snow loads
  • Is no larger than 6 feet tall and 100 square feet
  • Is located no closer than 10 feet from any property line
  • Is located at least 60 feet from any occupied residential building on a neighboring property

For more information or for permitting, contact the Planning Department.

Does Dearborn, Michigan, Allow Backyard Chickens?

Yes, but only with a permit issued by the director of residential services. The permit requires that chickens be kept in sanitary conditions, not run at large, and not disturb neighbors. You can learn more from the Planning & Zoning Department.

Does Detroit, Michigan, Allow Backyard Chickens?

The city has an animal-keeping ordinance that allows chickens to be kept, not roosters. The ordinance also states that:

• Chickens must be kept in an enclosure
• Enclosures or coops must be no less than 30 feet from neighboring homes and 5 feet from property lines

You may only be able to keep a certain number of chickens, and additional requirements are likely also in place. Contact the Planning & Development Department to learn more about what they allow.

Does Farmington Hills, Michigan, Allow Backyard Chickens?

You can have backyard chickens in Farmington Hills, but they must be within 175 feet of your own dwelling. To learn more about backyard chicken keeping in the city, contact the Planning Department. 

Does Flint, Michigan, Allow Backyard Chickens?

No, you are not permitted to keep chickens on any residentially zoned property within the city. Contact the Planning Department if you would like to see this change.

Does Grand Rapids, Michigan, Allow Backyard Chickens?

Yes, with a backyard chicken permit. To get your permit approved, you must meet the following requirements:

• Minimum lot size of 3,800 square feet
• Number of Chickens:
  • On properties of less than 5,000 square feet: 4 chickens
  • On properties with more than 5,000 square feet: 6 chickens
• You don’t plan to keep roosters
• Chickens are kept in a coop that:
  • It is located in the rear yard only
  • No taller than 8 feet
  • Offers 6 square feet per chicken
  • It is 10 feet from all property lines
  • Doesn’t cover more than 50% of the rear yard
  • It is kept clean and free of predators

Contact the Planning Department for more information.

Does Kalamazoo, Michigan, Allow Backyard Chickens?

It is unclear if they are allowed. For more information, contact the Planning Department.

Does Kentwood, Michigan, Allow Backyard Chickens?

Yes, with a permit that states that the following requirements are met:

The coop may be no larger than 240 square feet. Additional requirements apply. To certify compliance, contact the Planning Department.

Does Lansing, Michigan, Allow Backyard Chickens?

Yes, chickens are permitted in RA, RB, and RC zoning districts, if the following conditions are met:

• No more than 4 chickens are kept
• No roosters are kept
• They are located in the rear yard only
• They are kept in a coop or a covered enclosure at all times
• Coop is at least 10 feet from any property line

The Planning & Zoning Department is responsible for enforcing backyard chicken-keeping laws. Please contact the zoning officer to confirm permitting requirements and receive approval to keep chickens in your backyard. 

Does Livonia, Michigan, Allow Backyard Chickens?

Yes, in the RUF zoning district, chickens can be kept on lots of ½ acres or more. However, the exact number of chickens, coop size, placement, and other essential regulations are unclear. Contact the Planning Department for clarity on what they allow.

Does Macomb Township, Michigan, Allow Backyard Chickens?

Yes, you can keep chickens with a permit. They must not be kept in excessive numbers, allowed to run at large, or create a nuisance. The Planning & Zoning Department can assist with permitting and clarify additional zoning requirements.

Does Novi, Michigan, Allow Backyard Chickens?

Regulations are unclear. For clarity on what is allowed, contact the Planning Department.

Does Pontiac, Michigan, Allow Backyard Chickens?

Yes, chickens are permitted with a permit in any zoning district, so long as you comply with the following standards:

• No roosters permitted
• Only 3 hens allowed
• Chickens must be kept in a coop or other fully enclosed structure

A zoning or building permit will be required for your coop. It will certify that your coop meets size, placement, and setback requirements. For permits and information on these additional standards, contact the Planning & Zoning Department. 

Does Rochester Hills, Michigan, Allow Backyard Chickens?

It’s not explicitly outlined in their regulations. Contact the Planning & Economic Development Department to determine what they allow. 

Does Royal Oak, Michigan, Allow Backyard Chickens?

You can have backyard chickens in Royal Oak, but they are not permitted to run at large or be a public nuisance. Contact the Planning Department to learn more.

Does Shelby Township, Michigan, Allow Backyard Chickens?

Yes, if you have at least 12,000 square feet of land, you can keep chickens under the following conditions:

• They are kept in a coop or other enclosed structure
• The coop is located 5 feet from the lot lines
• The coop is 6 feet from your home
• The coop is 25 feet from any dwellings on neighboring lots
• The coop is no larger than 200 square feet
• Roosters are not kept

The exact number of chickens you are permitted to have is unclear. Contact the Planning & Zoning Department to find out how many are allowed.

Does Southfield, Michigan, Allow Backyard Chickens?

Yes, but you must comply with the following requirements:

• No roosters
• No more than 12 hens 
• Must keep chickens in coop
• Coop can be no larger than 80 square feet

A permit application must be submitted to the City Clerk, confirming compliance with these standards. Your coop will have to meet setback and other zoning requirements. Contact the Planning Department for more information on these conditions. 

Does St. Clair Shores, Michigan, Allow Backyard Chickens?

It’s unclear if the city permits them. Please contact the Planning Department to find out.

Does Sterling Heights, Michigan, Allow Backyard Chickens?

The regulations don’t clearly outline any provisions for backyard chickens. Contact the Planning Department for clarity on what they allow.

Does Taylor, Michigan, Allow Backyard Chickens?

It appears not to be permitted, but it’s unclear. Contact the Planning Department for clarification.

Does Troy, Michigan, Allow Backyard Chickens?

Yes, with an animal permit. Contact the Planning Department for specific details regarding the number of chickens, coop size, placement, setbacks, and more.

Does Warren, Michigan, Allow Backyard Chickens?

Yes, with a chicken permit from the City Clerk’s office, you can have up to 4 chickens if the following requirements are met:

• Chickens are kept in a coop or other enclosure, which:
  • Has four insulated walls, a ventilated roof, a human access door, and is elevated off the ground
  • It is located 10 feet from any property lines
• Eggs are not sold

To ensure compliance with all coop requirements in your zoning district, contact the Planning Department.

Does Westland, Michigan, Allow Backyard Chickens?

In Westland, you can only keep chickens on your property if it’s larger than ½ acre. If your property meets these requirements, your chickens must be kept in a coop or other enclosure that:

• At least 20 feet from neighboring property lines
• At least 40 feet from any house

Additional requirements may apply. Contact the Planning Department for more information.

Does Wyoming, Michigan, Allow Backyard Chickens?

Yes, with a permit, you can have up to 4 chickens. Specific details are unclear. Contact the Planning & Zoning Department to learn more about what they require.

Does Ypsilanti, Michigan, Allow Backyard Chickens?

Yes, hens, but not roosters, are permitted with a permit. The permit certifies compliance with the following regulations:

• No more than 4 hens
• No roosters
• Chickens are kept in a coop or other enclosure
• Chickens are kept in the backyard only
• The chicken coop must be located 20 feet from any neighboring residential structure

To ensure compliance with setbacks from property lines and other zoning regulations, contact the Planning & Development Department. 

Laws for Keeping Backyard Chickens in Michigan By County

Typically, cities and towns are responsible for enforcing backyard chicken laws. However, if you reside in an unincorporated area, you must refer to county regulations. Below is each county in Michigan and the appropriate government contact, so you can determine if you can keep chickens in your backyard. 

Take the First Step Toward Backyard Chickens

Now that you know whether or not your area allows them, and what requirements you must meet, here are the steps you need to take to get started:

Choose the Right Flock For Your Needs

First, determine which chicken breeds best fit your needs. Some areas will require you to provide specific information on your permit application, including breed and number of chickens, so it’s essential to figure this out before submitting your application. 

Here’s a simple chart to help you select the best breed for your needs:

Invest in a Michigan-Ready Chicken Coop

Now that you have your flock, it’s time to find them the perfect home. In Michigan, chicken coops should have essential features that make caring for your hens easier and help you comply with local rules.

Essential Features to Look For:

• Predator-proofing: Enclosed runs, raised off the ground, and predator-proof doors
• Weather resistance: Built to handle snow and wind loads, durable roofing and siding
• Easy cleaning: Raised flooring, pull-out trays, drains, or washable surfaces
• Proper size: Provides enough space for permitted flock size, doesn’t exceed maximum coop size requirements in your area

As you begin your search, look for chicken coop builders that offer a customizable coop with various features and sizes, so complying with local requirements is a breeze. 

Submit Your Permit and Get Approved

You can now complete your permit application with the coop and flock information. Submit it to your local official, whether that be the City Clerk, Zoning Officer, or Health Department, and wait for approval. Pay any associated fees. Once approved, you’re officially on your way to backyard chicken keeping!

Get Started On Your Backyard Chicken Keeping Journey Today

Ready to begin? You can choose a prebuilt coop in the right size and style to get started quickly, or customize a coop with features like predator-proof doors, washable flooring, and durable siding to match your flock’s needs and your city’s requirements.

If you’re unsure which option is best, contact us, and we will help you select a setup that keeps your hens comfortable and compliant.

With the proper coop, you’ll be ready to enjoy the rewards of backyard chicken keeping.