Washtenaw County does not zone residential land, so whether you can keep livestock depends on your city or township. Bona fide farm operations are protected from nuisance suits by Michigan's Right to Farm Act when they follow accepted practices.
Michigan cities and townships, not the county, decide where livestock such as goats, horses, sheep, and cattle may be kept. Most residential zoning in Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti prohibits farm animals, while agricultural and rural township districts allow them. A commercial or bona fide farm operation is shielded by the Right to Farm Act (MCL 286.473): a farm conforming to Generally Accepted Agricultural and Management Practices cannot be found to be a public or private nuisance. This state protection can override some local restrictions on qualifying operations, but it does not license livestock in ordinary residential lots.
Keeping prohibited livestock in a residential zone is enforced by the city or township as a zoning or civil-infraction violation; the county issues no livestock penalties.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Ann Arbor, MI
Ann Arbor prohibits storing abandoned, inoperable, or unregistered vehicles on public streets or visible on private property. Vehicles may be tagged and towe...
Ann Arbor, MI
Ann Arbor regulates electric vehicle charging infrastructure for residential and commercial properties. Building codes may require EV-ready parking in new co...
Ann Arbor, MI
Ann Arbor regulates overnight parking on public streets. Many areas restrict parking between certain hours or require permits for overnight street parking.
Ann Arbor, MI
Ann Arbor requires pool barriers meeting safety codes to prevent drowning. Fences must be at least 4 to 5 feet tall with self-closing, self-latching gates.
Ann Arbor, MI
Ann Arbor requires permits for retaining walls above a certain height, typically 4 feet. Engineering review may be required for taller walls.
Ann Arbor, MI
Ann Arbor may have wildfire hazard zones requiring defensible space around structures, fire-resistant building materials, and vegetation management.
See how Ann Arbor's livestock rules stack up against other locations.
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