Farmington Hills, MI Animal Ordinances: Chickens & Livestock (2026)

Section 6-4(a) makes it unlawful to keep "any animal or fowl" within 175 feet of any dwelling other than the owner's, which in practice bars backyard chickens, ducks, goats, and similar livestock on most residential lots unless the parcel is unusually large or isolated from neighboring homes. The same subsection separately bans letting any animal or fowl "run at large in any street, alley or public place, or upon the premises of another" without the owner's or occupant's permission. The setback does not apply to animals "commonly housed in a human dwelling as household pets," so cats, dogs, and similar pets kept inside are unaffected.

A keeper who cannot meet the 175-foot distance may petition the zoning board of appeals under § 6-4(b) for a variance, using a form the city provides and paying the council-set appeal fee. The board must first receive a report from the planning and community development department, and it must mail notice of the hearing at least 15 days ahead to every property owner of record within 500 feet of the proposed animal-keeping site. A variance can issue only on a two-thirds vote of the board, and only after it finds the relief will not harm public health, safety or welfare, will not injure neighboring property, and will not violate the article's overall intent.