<p>In Michigan, chicken‑keeping rules aren’t uniform across counties—they’re set by cities, townships, and villages. Some places ban backyard chickens outright, others allow hens with permits and restrictions.</p>
<h2>🏡 Does Michigan Allow Chickens at Home?</h2>
<p>There’s no state‑wide prohibition, but no automatic right either. Local zoning governs whether you can keep chickens. In early 2025, state bills proposed allowing up to five hens per ¼‑acre (max 25 hens) on residential lots, overriding restrictive local laws if enacted.</p>
<h2>Major Michigan Cities & What They Allow</h2>
<table>
<thead>
<tr><th>City</th><th>Hens Allowed</th><th>Roosters?</th><th>Permit Required?</th></tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr><td>Ann Arbor</td><td>Up to 6 hens</td><td>No</td><td>Yes</td></tr>
<tr><td>Clinton Township</td><td>Up to 4 hens</td><td>No</td><td>Yes</td></tr>
<tr><td>Detroit</td><td>Up to 6 hens</td><td>No</td><td>Yes</td></tr>
<tr><td>Flint</td><td>Not allowed</td><td>—</td><td>—</td></tr>
<tr><td>Grand Rapids</td><td>4 hens if <5,000 sq ft lot; 6 hens if larger</td><td>No</td><td>Yes</td></tr>
<tr><td>Lansing</td><td>Up to 5 hens</td><td>No</td><td>No</td></tr>
<tr><td>Livonia</td><td>No official limit</td><td>No</td><td>May require</td></tr>
<tr><td>Sterling Heights</td><td>Only on ≥8 acre lots; then no limit</td><td>No</td><td>Yes</td></tr>
<tr><td>Warren</td><td>Up to 3 hens</td><td>No</td><td>Yes</td></tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h2>✔ Examples from Specific Communities</h2>
<ul>
<li><strong>Grand Rapids</strong>: Less than 5,000 sq ft allows up to 4 hens; more space allows up to 6 hens. Roosters are prohibited, and permits are required. Coops must be in rear yards, limited in size, and setback from property lines.</li>
<li><strong>Detroit</strong>: As of January 31, 2025, residents may keep up to 8 chickens or ducks with strict licensing and coop requirements under new animal husbandry rules.</li>
<li><strong>Holland</strong> (Ottawa County): Houses may keep one pet hen or similar fowl without permit if coop is ≥25 ft from neighbors; up to 6 hens allowed as food-producing birds (permit required).</li>
<li><strong>Port Huron</strong> (St. Clair County): In April 2025, city council approved allowing up to 5 hens per ¼-acre property (max 25 hens), with coop/run dimensions, setbacks, and daily care requirements. Roosters are prohibited.</li>
</ul>
<h2>What About Other Counties & Townships?</h2>
<p>Counties don’t regulate chickens directly; it’s always local city or township ordinances. Many municipalities adopt blanket livestock bans—especially in small‑lot suburban areas (e.g. Flint, Warren Township, Shelby Township, Grosse Pointe areas).</p>
<h3>Midland Township Example</h3>
<p>Residents recently asked to amend rules banning chickens on lots smaller than 5 acres. Current law requires 500 ft coop setback from neighbors, 100 ft fence separation, and no animals unless property is ≥5 acres.</p>
<h2>➡ How to Check Rules in Your Area</h2>
<ol>
<li>Locate your city or township’s official website or use Municode.</li>
<li>Search local zoning code for “chickens,” “poultry,” or similar.</li>
<li>Note limits on hens, roosters, setback distances, coop/run size, and permits.</li>
<li>If you live in unincorporated areas, contact your township zoning or planning office.</li>
</ol>
<h2>Why Local Rules Vary</h2>
<ul>
<li><strong>Noise & odor:</strong> Many cities ban roosters to prevent disturbances.</li>
<li><strong>Lot size:</strong> Urban areas often restrict hens to ensure sanitary conditions.</li>
<li><strong>Coop standards:</strong> Height, square footage, location, and feed storage rules vary.</li>
<li><strong>Permits:</strong> Some areas require zoning permits or neighbor approval.</li>
</ul>
<h2>State-Level Change Could Be Coming</h2>
<p>House Bill 4049 proposes a statewide framework: allows up to 5 hens per ¼-acre (max 25 hens) regardless of local bans. A companion bill (HB 4050) would establish state agricultural standards and prevent municipalities from banning backyard chickens if followed.</p>
<h2>✅ Summary Table</h2>
<table>
<thead>
<tr><th>Location</th><th>Hens Allowed</th><th>Roosters</th><th>Permit?</th><th>Notes</th></tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr><td>Ann Arbor</td><td>6</td><td>No</td><td>Yes</td><td>Standard municipal limits</td></tr>
<tr><td>Detroit</td><td>6–8</td><td>No</td><td>Yes</td><td>New 2025 animal husbandry code</td></tr>
<tr><td>Grand Rapids</td><td>4–6</td><td>No</td><td>Yes</td><td>Based on lot size</td></tr>
<tr><td>Lansing</td><td>5</td><td>No</td><td>No</td><td>No permit needed</td></tr>
<tr><td>Holland</td><td>6</td><td>No</td><td>Yes</td><td>Also 1 pet hen allowed without permit</td></tr>
<tr><td>Port Huron</td><td>5 per ¼‑acre (max 25)</td><td>No</td><td>Yes</td><td>New in April 2025</td></tr>
<tr><td>Midland Township</td><td>0 unless ≥5 acres</td><td>No</td><td>Yes</td><td>Strict zoning ban</td></tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h2>Need Info on Your Specific County or Township?</h2>
<p>Just tell me your city or township—it might be covered in local detail, and I’ll look up the exact rules for you!</p>
<h2>🧠 Why This Matters</h2>
<p>This overview shows Michigan’s patchwork of chicken laws—and how state legislation could change that. Whether you’re planning a small backyard coop or advocating for local reform, knowing your local details is the key to staying compliant and raising hens successfully.</p>