In early 2025, Detroit enacted a landmark Urban Animal Ordinance that now permits residents to keep chickens, ducks, and honeybees—bringing urban agriculture into the law for the very first time. This guide offers more than 1,000 words of clear, step-by-step coverage: from the legal framework and application process to zoning rules, community context, and practical advice for residents and advocates.
1. Legal Framework & Timeline
- In November 2024, the Detroit City Council passed a long-awaited amendment allowing private residents to keep chickens, ducks, and honeybees—or “Urban Animals”—under controlled conditions.
- The ordinance passed with a 5–3 vote and took effect on January 31, 2025.
2. What Animals Are Allowed—and in What Quantities?
- Residents may keep up to eight chickens and/or ducks per household for personal use—roosters are explicitly prohibited.
- Additionally, a maximum of four honeybee hives is allowed per property.
- Properties used as urban gardens or farms (depending on acreage) may keep up to 12 birds and more hives.
3. Licensing & Application Process
To keep chickens or ducks, residents must apply for an Animal Husbandry License through Detroit Animal Care and Control.
- Submit a formal application including proof of property ownership, a plot/site plan, and housing structure descriptions.
- Pay a $50 annual licensing fee (no fee is required for beekeeping).
- City departments—including Building Safety, Engineering and Environmental Department (BSEED), Animal Control, and Urban Agriculture—review the application for compliance with zoning and health rules.
- Applicants must pass an initial inspection before final approval. After compliance, no surprise inspections are expected unless a neighbor complaint triggers one.
- Licenses must be renewed annually, though resubmission of application materials is not required.
4. Zoning, Enclosure, and Spacing Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Bird Enclosures | Must be in the rear yard, enclosed on all sides, ventilated, and maintained clean. No roaming allowed. |
| Distance from Neighboring Homes | Must be at least 30 feet from neighboring homes. |
| Distance from Property Line | Enclosures must be set back at least 5 feet from property lines. |
| Honeybee Hives | Must be at least 25 feet from property lines unless a barrier (like a fence) is present. |
5. Enforcement and Compliance
Non-compliance with enclosure or spacing requirements can result in penalties:
- Violation of the ordinance is a misdemeanor, punishable by a $100 fine, with increased penalties for repeat offenses.
- In case of complaints or health risks, the city may suspend or revoke a license.
6. Community and Enforcement Context
This ordinance marks the first time Detroit formally allows residents to keep chickens, ducks, and bees—a victory borne of nearly a decade of grassroots efforts from urban agriculture advocates.
Councilmember James Tate led the initiative, emphasizing food access, healthy food production, and empowered homeownership.
Opposing voices raised concerns about potential nuisances, enforcement challenges, and dense neighborhoods. Advocates countered that the ordinance includes safeguards and fosters self-determination.
7. Why It Matters: Food, Equity, and Urban Farming
- Residents keeping chickens gain access to fresh protein and more self-reliance amid rising food costs.
- Detroit joins other Michigan cities like Ann Arbor and Ferndale in officially recognizing backyard livestock’s role in urban food systems.
- Local groups such as Keep Growing Detroit and the Detroit Food Policy Council are forming support networks (The Animal Guild) to assist keepers.
8. Step-by-Step: How to Keep Chickens or Ducks in Detroit
- Check that you are a property owner and eligible under zoning rules.
- Plan your enclosure in the rear yard, ensuring it’s ≥30 ft from homes and ≥5 ft from property lines, or as set out in urban farm/garden rules.
- Draft a detailed plot plan and enclosure description.
- Submit the Animal Husbandry License application with deed, plan, and description—and pay the $50 annual fee.
- Undergo a city review and initial inspection; once approved, you’re licensed.
- Maintain your coop: keep it clean, ventilated, pest-free, and compliant with spacing rules.
- Renew your license annually. Only re-inspection occurs if neighbor complaints arise or violations occur.
- Openly communicate with nearby neighbors—though signature approval isn’t required, transparency helps build goodwill.
9. Quick Summary Table
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Allowed Animals | Up to 8 chickens/ducks per household (no roosters); up to 4 bee hives; more for urban farms/gardens |
| License | Required annually, $50 fee for birds; no fee for bees |
| Enclosure & Spacing | Rear yard only; 30 ft from homes; 5 ft from property line; 25 ft for hives |
| Inspection | Initial required; further only if complaints arise |
| Penalties | Misdemeanor, $100 fine for violations |
| Support | Community groups like The Animal Guild offer help; city provides office hours |
10. Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep roosters?
No—roosters are not permitted under the ordinance.
Do I need a license for just bees?
No—beekeeping requires no license. You must still follow zoning and spacing rules.
Can neighbors block me from keeping chickens?
No written consent is required, but you must communicate your plans to nearby neighbors.
What happens if someone complains?
Animal Control may inspect again; persistent violations can lead to license suspension.
11. Final Thoughts
Detroit’s updated chicken law is a bold move toward food sovereignty, sustainable urban living, and community wellbeing. It offers Detroiters a legal path to raise their own food—under guardrails designed to balance health, safety, and neighborly harmony. Whether you’re preparing to apply or helping others navigate the system, thoughtful planning, transparency, and good stewardship are your best tools for success.