Federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act (16 USC 703) plus Michigan's Wildlife Conservation Order protect most native birds. Disturbing nests or possessing feathers without permits violates federal and state law.
Wayne County hosts Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge and Lake Erie Metropark, critical migratory flyways for raptors and waterfowl. Federal law prohibits taking, possessing, transporting, or selling protected birds, their nests, eggs, or feathers without USFWS permits. Michigan adds state protections via MCL 324.40109. Common backyard species (robins, cardinals, blue jays) cannot be relocated, harmed, or kept without authorization. Tree removal during nesting season (April through August) may violate the act if active nests are destroyed. Property developers near DTW and Detroit River must comply with USFWS consultation. Non-native species (starlings, house sparrows, pigeons) are unprotected.
Federal MBTA violations are misdemeanors with $15,000 fines and six months jail per bird. Michigan state violations add MCL 324.40118 penalties of 90 days jail and $1,000 fines.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Wayne County, MI
Wayne County does not regulate residential fence heights. Under Michigan's Zoning Enabling Act (MCL 125.3101 et seq.), zoning authority over fences rests wit...
Wayne County, MI
Residential pool safety in Wayne County is governed by the Michigan Residential Code (Appendix G, adopted under Public Act 230 of 1972), which is enforced lo...
Wayne County, MI
Michigan has not adopted IRC Appendix Q (Tiny Houses) statewide, and Wayne County does not set general zoning. Whether a tiny home is legal on a Wayne County...
Wayne County, MI
Wayne County itself does not regulate residential sheds in the dozens of incorporated cities and townships that make up nearly all of the county. Shed setbac...
Wayne County, MI
Michigan does not mandate E-Verify for private employers. Wayne County and Detroit have not adopted E-Verify ordinances. Federal contractors meeting FAR thre...
Wayne County, MI
Michigan is not a sanctuary state, but Detroit operates as a Welcoming City under 2017 Executive Order limiting police cooperation with ICE detainers absent ...
See how Wayne County's bird protection rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.