Kentwood allows keeping of domestic animals, fowl or insects (including ducks, chickens, bees, goats and rabbits) only after Zoning Administrator review and approval. Large farm animals such as cows and pigs are not permitted. The keeping is regulated under the city's zoning ordinance and administered by Planning.
Per the City of Kentwood Residential Handbook (Planning Department, 2017), "The keeping of domestic animals, fowl or insects including but not limited to ducks, chickens, bees, goats or rabbits is allowed with Zoning Administrator review and approval. Large farm animals, including cows and pigs, are not permitted." Property owners must contact Planning at 616-554-0707 before keeping permitted animals. Coop placement, lot size, setbacks from property lines, and number of birds are determined case-by-case during review. The city's full Code of Ordinances (administered through Municode) also contains nuisance and animal-control provisions enforced by Code Enforcement. Roosters are typically restricted because of noise concerns even where hens are approved.
Keeping chickens or other livestock without Zoning Administrator approval is a zoning violation. Code Enforcement may issue notices to remove animals and assess fines under the city's general penalty schedule.
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