Michigan's Right to Farm Act preempts local ordinances regulating commercial farms following Generally Accepted Agricultural Management Practices, but a 2014 amendment removed protection for farms in primarily residential areas, allowing local ordinances to control backyard chickens.
The Michigan Right to Farm Act (MCL 286.471 et seq.) provides nuisance protection for farm operations following Generally Accepted Agricultural and Management Practices (GAAMPs) issued by the Michigan Commission of Agriculture. In 2014, the Site Selection GAAMPs were amended to exclude properties in primarily residential zones (Category 4) from RTFA protection, meaning municipalities may regulate or prohibit backyard chickens and livestock in residential areas. Outside Category 4 areas, GAAMPs preempt conflicting local rules. Commercial farms must follow GAAMPs to claim preemption.
Municipal nuisance and zoning citations apply to non-protected backyard livestock; civil fines vary by locality.
See how Zeeland's chickens & livestock rules stack up against other locations.
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