Detroit City Code Chapter 6 (Animals) and Michigan Public Act 274 of 2000 (Large Carnivore Act) prohibit keeping big cats, bears, wolves, and primates. Venomous reptiles and large constricting snakes also banned.
Detroit follows a restrictive exotic pet framework. Michigan Large Carnivore Act (MCL 287.1101 et seq.) prohibits private ownership of cougars, bears, and other large carnivores statewide. Detroit City Code Chapter 6 additionally bans primates, venomous reptiles, constrictors over 8 feet, and any animal classified as dangerous wildlife. Birds of prey require a federal falconry permit. Detroit Animal Care and Control enforces. Fines escalate from $200 to $1,000 plus seizure.
Possession of prohibited exotic animal: $200 to $1,000 fine plus mandatory seizure and possible criminal referral under MCL 287.1101.
Detroit, MI
Detroit's zoning and property maintenance codes do not restrict the number, size, or style of residential lawn ornaments, statuary, or religious displays. Re...
Detroit, MI
Detroit has no specific ordinance regulating residential inflatable holiday displays (giant snowmen, pumpkins, Santas). Restrictions, if any, come from priva...
Detroit, MI
Detroit has no citywide ordinance restricting the time of year, brightness, or duration of residential holiday lights. Restrictions arise mainly from Local H...
Detroit, MI
A built-in outdoor kitchen in Detroit requires separate trade permits from BSEED for any gas line, electrical, or plumbing work, plus a building permit if it...
Detroit, MI
Detroit has no ordinance specifically regulating residential offset smokers or pellet grills. The City's nuisance and air-quality provisions (Detroit Code Ch...
Detroit, MI
Detroit follows the International Fire Code (IFC) as adopted by Michigan. IFC Section 308.1.4 prohibits open-flame and charcoal cooking on combustible balcon...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Wayne County.
See how other cities in Wayne County handle exotic pets.
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