Chicken Laws by County in Michigan: A Full Guide
Raising backyard chickens has become a growing trend across Michigan. From farm-fresh eggs to teaching kids about responsibility, there are dozens of reasons why people are building coops in their backyards. But before you bring home your first hen, it’s critical to know this: chicken laws are not the same across the state. In fact, they differ from one city or township to another—even within the same county.
This guide breaks down how chicken laws work across Michigan, what to look for in your local ordinances, and what’s changing in 2025 that may impact poultry keepers across the state.
How Chicken Laws Work in Michigan
Unlike some states with uniform rules, Michigan takes a local control approach when it comes to backyard chickens. This means each city, township, or village sets its own regulations for keeping chickens. While there are no statewide laws that prohibit chickens, local ordinances dictate:
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How many hens you can own
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Whether roosters are allowed
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What kind of permit or license you need
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Where and how you must place your coop
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Whether you’re even allowed to keep chickens at all
Additionally, if you live in a neighborhood with a homeowners association (HOA), there may be further restrictions that override what your city allows.
So while your cousin in Grand Rapids might be raising six hens with no problem, you might not be able to keep even one if your township has a ban.
Common Themes Across Michigan Chicken Ordinances
Even though each municipality sets its own rules, many Michigan cities and townships follow a few common patterns. Here’s what you’re likely to find:
1. Roosters Are Usually Banned
Most local governments prohibit roosters within city limits due to noise concerns. Roosters are loud and tend to crow early in the morning, which doesn’t mix well with suburban life.
2. Permits Are Often Required
Some cities require chicken permits, which may include:
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A small annual fee
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An inspection of your coop
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Limits on the number of birds
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Neighbor approval (in some cases)
Others allow a few hens without a permit but require one if you exceed a certain number.
3. Limits on Flock Size
Typical residential limits range from 3 to 6 hens. More may be allowed in agricultural zones or on properties of a certain size (e.g., half an acre or more).
4. Setback Requirements for Coops
Chicken coops usually need to be set back a specific distance from:
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Property lines
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Neighboring homes
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Public roads
This can range from 10 feet to over 100 feet depending on your location.
5. Cleanliness and Containment
Most ordinances require that chickens are kept in clean, odor-free, pest-controlled environments. Fencing or secure enclosures are also required to prevent chickens from roaming freely.
Examples of Chicken Laws in Michigan by City and Township
To give you a better idea, here are examples of backyard chicken laws in specific municipalities across Michigan:
Ann Arbor
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Allowed: Yes
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Flock Size: Up to 6 hens
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Roosters: Not allowed
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Permit Required: Yes
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Special Notes: Must provide adequate shelter and keep birds confined to property
Grand Rapids
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Allowed: Yes
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Flock Size: 4 hens for lots under 5,000 sq. ft; 6 hens for larger lots
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Roosters: Not allowed
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Permit Required: Yes
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Restrictions: Coops must be in the rear yard and meet minimum spacing requirements
Lansing
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Allowed: Yes
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Flock Size: Up to 5 hens
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Roosters: Not allowed
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Permit Required: No permit required unless for commercial purposes
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Notes: Chickens must be confined and cannot create a public nuisance
Holland
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Allowed: Yes
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Flock Size: Depends on property size
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Roosters: Not allowed
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Permit Required: Yes
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Other Notes: Coop must be at least 25 feet from property lines
Warren
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Allowed: Yes
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Flock Size: Up to 3 hens
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Roosters: Not allowed
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Permit Required: Yes
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Coop Rules: Must be secure and well-maintained
Cities in Michigan Where Chickens Are Prohibited
Despite growing interest in backyard chickens, some cities and townships across Michigan continue to prohibit keeping chickens, regardless of flock size or property type. These areas typically cite noise, odor, or density as reasons for the ban.
Cities where backyard chickens are not allowed include:
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Detroit
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Flint
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Birmingham
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Farmington
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Grosse Pointe
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Oak Park
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Dearborn Heights
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Taylor
In some of these areas, local residents have petitioned for ordinances to change, and some cities are considering revisions due to rising food independence movements.
Michigan Chicken Laws: What’s Changing in 2025?
In early 2025, legislation was introduced that aims to standardize chicken laws across the state of Michigan. This proposed bill, if passed, would require cities and counties to allow backyard chickens under certain conditions, removing many of the restrictions that currently vary from place to place.
Key Proposals in the 2025 Bill:
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Minimum Property Size: Chickens must be kept on lots of at least 0.25 acres
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Flock Limits: Up to 5 hens per quarter-acre lot, with a max of 25 hens
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Rooster Ban: Roosters would be prohibited statewide under the new rule
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Compliance with Agricultural Practices: Chicken owners would be required to follow humane treatment and cleanliness standards
The bill is being supported by a growing number of residents who want more food independence, better control over their food sources, and fewer barriers to backyard farming.
How to Find Out If You Can Have Chickens
If you want to raise chickens in Michigan, don’t guess—the rules can be wildly different from one block to the next. Here’s what you should do:
Step 1: Check Your Zoning
Go to your city or township’s official website or call the zoning department. Ask if your property is zoned for residential, agricultural, or rural use. Some zones allow livestock, while others restrict all forms of backyard farming.
Step 2: Read the Ordinance
Search the animal control or municipal code sections for keywords like “poultry,” “chickens,” or “urban agriculture.” Pay attention to:
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Number of hens allowed
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Coop placement and design rules
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Permit requirements
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Prohibited animals (e.g., roosters)
Step 3: Contact City Officials
If the rules are confusing or not available online, call your local code enforcement or planning department. They’ll provide clear guidance and may even offer application materials if a permit is needed.
Step 4: Check HOA Bylaws
If you live in a neighborhood with a homeowners association, review the CC&Rs (Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions). HOAs often have separate rules that can prohibit chickens even if your city allows them.
Final Thoughts
Backyard chickens are not just a fun hobby—they’re a lifestyle choice that’s reshaping how people think about food, sustainability, and community. But in Michigan, the ability to own chickens still depends heavily on where you live. From cities like Ann Arbor that embrace urban agriculture, to communities that still prohibit poultry entirely, the rules are a patchwork.
If you’re serious about keeping chickens, do your homework before buying your first hen. Know your city’s rules, talk to your neighbors, and build a safe, clean coop that won’t attract unwanted attention. With a little preparation, you can enjoy the benefits of raising chickens—and avoid costly legal trouble in the process.
