Westland, MI Animal Ordinances: Chickens & Livestock (2026)
Key Facts
- Land required
- 1/2 acre per horse
- Pasture fence height
- 4 to 6 feet
- Stable setback, side/rear
- 20 feet
- Stable setback, dwelling
- 40 feet
Summary
Westland permits horses and other equine on residential lots that provide at least a half-acre per animal, keep the pasture behind the rear building line, and fence it 4 to 6 feet high.
The keeping of horses and other equine is permitted subject to the following standards:
(1)Land use requirements. There shall be provided not less than one-half acre of land for the use of each horse or other equine, and such land shall be located no nearer to the front street line than the rear building line of any house on any lot or parcel of land, or to the rear building line of the majority of houses on any block of a street on which more than one house exists. A fence shall be erected around the entire premises provided for the outside use of any horse or other equine. Such fence shall not be less than four feet in height nor higher than six feet in height and shall be constructed of metal or wood in accordance with the provisions of this Code.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 66).
Full Breakdown
Section 18-5 sets the standard for keeping horses and other equine in the city: one-half acre of land per animal, pasture located no nearer the front street than the rear building line of houses on the lot or block, and a perimeter fence 4 to 6 feet high in metal or wood. The section also fixes stable construction standards, minimum 9-by-13-foot interior stalls, 8-foot ceiling, ventilation openings, and the same 20-foot side/rear and 40-foot dwelling setbacks used for other farm animals under § 18-3. This is distinct from § 18-3's separate ban on pigs, cows, sheep, goats, chickens and ducks.
Violations & Fines
General penalty applies (§ 1-8): fine up to $500.00 and/or imprisonment up to 90 days, with each day of noncompliance a separate offense. Nonconforming stables can be ordered brought into compliance by the animal control officer or building department.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep a horse in Westland?
How far must a horse stable be from a neighbor's house?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Westland
How Westland compares: Best Cities for Backyard Chickens·Compare Westland to another location·View the Michigan animal ordinances overview
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