Thinking about keeping chickens in Michigan? There’s no single statewide rule—each township, city or county sets its own rules. That means limits on hens, rooster rules, coop placement, permits, and cleanliness standards can all vary. This guide gives you a clear overview of how it works in many places across the state, explained simply.
How It Works in Michigan
Michigan gives power to **local governments** to decide if chickens are allowed. The state’s Right to Farm Act does **not override** local zoning in residential areas. That means even if your neighbor can keep hens, you may not be able to—depending on your specific township or city. Often there’s a permit required if you exceed a few hens, and roosters are nearly always banned in residential zones.
Grand Rapids (Kent County)
- Lots under 5,000 ft²: up to **4 hens**; larger lots: **6 hens**.
- **Roosters are banned**.
- Permit required—coops must be in rear yard, setbacks enforced.
Ann Arbor (Washtenaw County)
- Up to **6 hens** allowed with a permit.
- No roosters permitted.
- Coop must be predator‑proof and well cleaned. Feed must be stored properly.
- HOAs often ban chickens even if city allows them.
Lansing (Ingham County and Lansing Township)
- In the city: up to **5 or 6 hens**—permit usually required in city rules.
- In townships: if chicken rules don’t appear, hens may be allowed—roosters still banned.
- Coops must stay fenced and not cause odor or nuisance.
Kalamazoo
- Allows **4 hens** with a permit.
- No roosters allowed.
- Coop must be at least 15 ft from neighbor homes.
- Permit slots may be limited due to demand.
Holland, Warren, Ferndale
- Holland and Ferndale allow chickens with permits—typically up to **6 hens**.
- Warren: limit of **3 hens**, permit required.
- No roosters in residential zones.
- Coops must be clean, enclosed, and setback from property lines.
Examples of Areas That Ban Chickens Altogether
- Cities like Detroit, Flint, Birmingham, Grosse Pointe, Harper Woods, Dearborn Heights and Novi currently ban chickens in residential areas.
Ingham County (outside Lansing city)
- Townships like Delta or Lansing Township may allow up to **5 hens**, if no local ordinance prohibits them.
- Roosters are typically banned.
- Setbacks like **10 ft from property line and 40 ft from dwellings** may apply.
Muskegon Area
- City allows up to **6 hens** with a permit.
- Roosters are banned.
- Coops must be properly secured; other fowl like quail may not be accepted.
Other Cities & Counties
- Many smaller communities in Michigan—like Ada Township, Canton, Rochester Hills, Royal Oak, East Lansing, Ypsilanti—allow chickens with some restrictions.
- Hens limited to **3–6**, no roosters, permits common, coop setbacks enforced.
- Municipalities that ban: Grosse Pointe, Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, Farmington, and others.
Typical Themes Across Michigan
- Nearly all areas **ban roosters** in residential zones.
- Most cities impose limits of **3–6 hens**, based on property size.
- Permits commonly cost **$25–50 per year**, may include inspection and neighbor notice.
- Coops must be in rear yard, meet setback distances (usually 10–25 ft), be predator‑proof, vented and cleaned regularly.
- Commercial egg sales or slaughtering on residential lots is usually prohibited.
- HOAs or deed restrictions may ban chickens even where local code allows them.
Summary Table
| Place | Hens Allowed | Roosters? | Permit? | Key Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grand Rapids | 4–6 hens by lot size | No | Yes | Rear yard coop; setbacks |
| Ann Arbor | 6 hens | No | Yes | Predator‑proof coop; HOA restrictions matter |
| Lansing (city) | 5–6 hens | No | Often yes | Coop cleanliness; nuisance rules |
| Kalamazoo | 4 hens | No | Yes | 15 ft setback; permit limited |
| Ferndale | 6 hens | No | Yes | Metro pattern: coop standards |
| Holland | Up to 6 hens | No | Yes | Setbacks enforced |
| Muskegon | 6 hens | No | Yes | Permit required; coop secure |
| Flint Twp | 5 hens on 1 ac lot | No roosters | Varies | Ordinance reduced from 3 ac to 1 ac |
Tips to Stay Legal
- Look up your **municipal code or zoning map**—rules can differ even within a county.
- If a permit is required, get it before setting up a coop or getting chickens.
- Build your coop with proper enclosure, predator proofing, good ventilation, and allow enough space per bird.
- Store feed securely, manage manure, and keep odor under control.
- Tell your neighbors and avoid nuisance behavior—noise or smell may lead to enforcement.
- Check for HOA or deed restrictions—they can be stricter than city rules.
Why These Rules Matter
Local ordinances help maintain neighborhood peace. Restrictions on roosters prevent early morning crowing. Limits and setbacks reduce the risk of odor, pests or escapees. Permits and coop standards encourage safe and sanitary conditions. The balance strikes a middle ground—allowing personal food production without disturbing your neighbors.
Bottom Line
Michigan doesn’t broadly ban or guarantee chicken ownership—it depends entirely on your city or township. Most places allow **a handful of hens**, **no roosters**, and require **permits and coop standards**. Some areas prohibit chickens altogether. If you share your town, township, or county, I can help look up the exact current rules that apply to your property.