Ann Arbor, MI Animal Ordinances: Chickens & Livestock (2026)

Under § 9:42, keeping chickens or ducks anywhere in the city requires a 6-bird permit from the City Clerk obtained before acquiring the birds, valid for 5 years. Birds are capped at 6, roosters are banned outright while drakes and hen ducks are allowed, slaughter is prohibited, and birds must be housed in the rear yard in a covered or fenced enclosure at least 10 feet from any adjacent property line, with a further 40-foot setback from adjacent residential structures unless neighbors waive it in writing. General code § 9:38 otherwise bars keeping any domestic fowl in the city outside this permit.