Ypsilanti Township Ordinance to Allow Chickens

Hello all backyard chicken lovers!

I am currently working with a couple people in Ypsilanti township to get an ordinance that will allow backyard chickens. Currently an ordinance is in place that is just an reiteration of the Michigan Right to Farm Act. Basically you can only have chickens if you have more than 5 acres. We want to see a specific ordinance in place to allow 4-6 hens and no roosters.

I have already spoken with some township officials and they have expressed that with enough support and coordination with neighborhood watch groups or opposing groups they would be glad to draft an ordinance. They have also expressed that it need not be some thing complicated just a simple limit on the numbers, also they have said they have no real desire to require a permit. So it looks like this is perfectly possible but may take a little time to go through the correct channels and this being an election year could help or hurt our cause depending on support.

If you support backyard chickens and are in favor of an ordinance allowing them in Ypsilanti Township, please post on here and we can coordinate the effort!

P.S. I have also added a poll if you don't wish to comment.

Thanks for posting. I didn't know there was any ordnance for chickens in the township.
Did they contact you about your birds or did you go to them?

I know alot of people have chickens and other big birds around here and have for along time, has something changed? I really don't want any more ordinances or rules if there not needed.
What I'm sayin is if it aint broke dont fix it .....I guess? But we just bought a really nice coop and plan on having a few hens and if they're comin around threatening my chickens freedoms I'm down for the cause! lol

peace
Fresh

A friend of a friend who lives in my neighborhood (Holmes Rd. area) had her chickens taken away. Most of the time you are correct there is no problem and many people have had them for a long time. My parents and grandparents both had chickens on their neighborhood lot for years with no problems. So the only reason we are pursuing an ordinance at all is to protect chicken owners or those who want to be from being cited or having their girls removed! Check out our shirts at www.legalizebackyardchickens.com !

chicksinypsitwp said:

A friend of a friend who lives in my neighborhood (Holmes Rd. area) had her chickens taken away. Most of the time you are correct there is no problem and many people have had them for a long time. My parents and grandparents both had chickens on their neighborhood lot for years with no problems. So the only reason we are pursuing an ordinance at all is to protect chicken owners or those who want to be from being cited or having their girls removed! Check out our shirts at www.legalizebackyardchickens.com !

Click to expand...

I guess I cant just stand by silently when the rights of our
chickens and chicken loving friends are being violated! Time to act!! haha

The shirts are righteous! i will be grabbing a couple one for me and one for the old bird jkjk
I'm gonna pm you my email and we will see what i can do to help

Hi - I am in Ann Arbor and definitely support your efforts!

Note that some folks think that the Michigan Right to Farm act gives you the right to keep chickens regardless of what local ordinances say. BYC thread is here: https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/...o-farm-law-what-does-it-mean/530#post_8827036

so I talked to the ordnance officer today he said my chickens were illegal and that somebody complained. I'm not sure I believe him, I don't know who would complain I only have a couple of neighbors, that I will be confronting, or how they could complain with vicious breed dogs everywhere and peoples bumping out of their trunks. I know its not the point but I'm ******! I wish people would just mind their business. I have four very quiet and clean hens that free range around the yard and a badass tractor coop that I move around my acre of nicely manicured land.
The officer said he knew that there was an ordnance being written up, but said the chickens were illegal until the ordnance is passed nd he didn't when it would be finished.

Does anybody know an approximate time were gonna get this finished up or my gonna have to get rid of my chickens until then?

Is there anyway we can just adopt ann arbors until ours is completely written up
So we can keep our chickens ?

I'm really bummed out and frustrated, I do know this my chickens aren't going anywhere

Fresh

You may want to post on the Michigan thread also, there are other areas that also have anti-chicken stances. Good luck.

Sorry for the rant and the bad cell phone grammar. I just needed to vent abit , I really feel violated.
We are good responsible neighbors and enjoy being active in our community ....this just sucks!

Send the good vibes and support our way peace

Yes, someone must complain for them to come out. Our neighborhood watch coordinator calls on everything about everyone unfortunately in our neighborhood, so that could be something to look out for in yours. Unfortunately the red tape of local politics doesn't allow us to work through this very quickly, its looking like the end of summer at best. I believe some township officials my be also wanting to make this last as long as possible until after the August elections. My best advice for you is if this is truly a complaint just move them or keep them out of sight so the ordinance officer thinks they are gone, or get an extension so that you can find someplace to take them and then claim you have nowhere for them to go and ask what they would suggest you do with them. Either way it will be a long summer. Good Luck.

VIVA LA BACKYARD CHICKENS!!!
The gracious Brenda Stumbo has given chicken owners in the township an extension till july third.
A small temporary victory for Ypsi and our chickens!