Wayne County cities generally prohibit cattle, pigs, sheep, and goats in residential zones. Michigan Right to Farm Act protects commercial livestock in agricultural zones of rural townships like Sumpter and Huron.
Large livestock including cattle, pigs, sheep, and goats are prohibited in all incorporated cities of Wayne County. Detroit, Dearborn, Livonia, Westland, Taylor, and Canton Township zoning codes restrict livestock to agricultural zones which do not exist within city limits. Unincorporated townships with agricultural zoning including Sumpter Township, Huron Township, and parts of Van Buren Township allow livestock on parcels of 10 acres or more. The Michigan Right to Farm Act MCL 286.471 preempts local regulation of commercial farms that meet Generally Accepted Agricultural and Management Practices (GAAMPs). Small-scale hobby farming with goats or sheep is not protected under Right to Farm. Horse keeping is a separate issue and is allowed in some suburbs with minimum lot sizes of 2 to 5 acres in equestrian overlay zones. Detroit does not allow horses except for police and carriage operations under special permits.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
See how Wayne County's livestock rules stack up against other locations.
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