Detroit allows up to 8 backyard chickens with permits since 2017. Most Wayne County suburbs including Livonia and Dearborn prohibit chickens. Unincorporated townships follow Michigan Right to Farm Act.
Backyard chicken rules vary widely across Wayne County. Detroit legalized urban agriculture in 2013 and currently allows up to 8 hens per lot under the Urban Agriculture Ordinance with no roosters permitted. Coops must be at least 10 feet from property lines and 20 feet from neighboring dwellings. Dearborn, Livonia, Westland, Taylor, and Canton Township currently prohibit chickens in residential zones, though Ann Arbor-style pilot programs have been discussed. Plymouth, Northville, and Grosse Pointe Park allow chickens under conditional permits. The Michigan Right to Farm Act (MCL 286.471) provides protection for commercial farms in agricultural zones and in unincorporated Huron, Sumpter, and Van Buren townships. Goats, pigs, and cattle are generally prohibited in all incorporated Wayne County cities. Dairy goats are allowed in some townships under Right to Farm if the operation qualifies as a commercial farm.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
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See how Wayne County's chickens & livestock rules stack up against other locations.
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