Chickens & Livestock: Kentwood vs Wyoming
How do chickens & livestock rules compare between Kentwood, MI and Wyoming, MI?
Kentwood has fewer restrictions than Wyoming.
Kentwood, MI
Kent County
Kentwood allows keeping of domestic animals, fowl or insects (including ducks, chickens, bees, goats and rabbits) only after Zoning Administrator review and approval. Large farm animals such as cows and pigs are not permitted. The keeping is regulated under the city's zoning ordinance and administered by Planning.
View full Kentwood rules →Wyoming, MI
Kent County
Wyoming's Code of Ordinances regulates animals in Chapter 6 and zoning uses in Chapter 90, neither of which lists chickens or other agricultural animals as a permitted use in residential districts. As a rule, chickens are not allowed inside the City of Wyoming. The narrow exception is that the Chief Building Official has discretionary authority to allow a specific property to keep chickens after a written request, site plan showing coop and run, and notification of adjoining neighbors. Michigan does not preempt local poultry-keeping rules in cities.
View full Wyoming rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Kentwood | Wyoming |
|---|---|---|
| Permit | Zoning Administrator approval required | - |
| Banned | Cows, pigs, large farm animals | - |
| Allowed (w/ approval) | Chickens, ducks, rabbits, goats, bees | - |
| Apply | Planning Dept. 616-554-0707 | - |
| Backyard Chickens | - | Not by-right — Chief Building Official discretion |
| Code Hook | - | Wyoming Code Ch. 6 + Ch. 90 zoning |
| Approval Process | - | Written request + site plan + neighbor notice |
| State Preemption | - | None for residential (Right to Farm exempts commercial) |
| Planning Dept. | - | 616-530-7259 |
| City Main | - | 616-530-7226 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Kentwood FAQ
Can I keep chickens in my Kentwood backyard?
Yes, but only with Zoning Administrator review and approval per the city's Residential Handbook. Contact Planning at 616-554-0707 before getting birds. Large farm animals like cows and pigs are not allowed.
Are roosters allowed in Kentwood?
Even when hens are approved, roosters are typically restricted because of noise. The Zoning Administrator's case-by-case review usually limits keepers to hens only.
Wyoming FAQ
Can I keep backyard chickens in Wyoming, MI?
Not by right. Chickens are not listed as a permitted accessory use in Wyoming's residential zoning districts under Chapter 90, and Chapter 6 (Animals) does not authorize them. The Chief Building Official may grant case-by-case approval after a written request, a site plan showing the proposed coop and run, and notification of adjoining neighbors. Call the Planning Department at 616-530-7259 before acquiring birds.
Does Michigan's Right to Farm Act let me keep chickens anyway?
Generally no for a typical backyard flock. The Right to Farm Act (1981 PA 93, MCL 286.471 et seq.) preempts local regulation only for commercial farms producing product for sale that conform to GAAMPs. Ordinary residential backyard chickens kept for family use are not 'commercial farms' and remain subject to Wyoming's Chapter 6 and zoning rules.
Compare other topics
See how Kentwood and Wyoming compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool