Please help! Being harrased by township in michigan

[mommymegg]

Anyone have any info on The right to farming act in Michigan? Township officials say it doesn't apply because we are not zoned in agricultural property. Any suggestions? We want to keep our chickens! Residing in Richfield Twp. Mi in a residential area, on a side note our coop is not visible by any neighbors privacy fenced in back yard, i just don't see the big deal!

 

[thekid]

doesnt matter what they say. They just say that garbage because "origanally" they werent allowed to have chickens. MICHIGAN right to farm act stands for all of Michigan. $2 a dozen or $20 bucks a dozen as long as you are trying to make a profit. You are allowed

 

[dianaross77]

To date, there is no case law that I know of where the MRTFA has protected someone operating outside of their zoning restrictions. Feel free to check out my thread and see if there is any information that might get the township off your back.

 

[mommymegg]

ok so i have read alot of material so far, my question.. i am zoned residential will i still be protected under "michigans right to farm act" from what i have read i will be but just want to make sure. Twp. Is saying no now because im not on zoned under agricultural property- whatever that means.

 

[spiritdance]

The text of the bill reads as though it protects operations on legal farms from spurious complaints, but does not eliminate zoning restrictions. In other words, if you are on ag land, you cannot be prohibited from using standardized agricultural practices that are defined by the state of Michigan as "standard agricultural practices" despite noises, dust, odors, etc., that neighbors may consider a "nuisance." But if you're not zoned ag, you're not legally a "farm." At least, that's my interpretation of the bill. http://legislature.mi.gov/documents/mcl/pdf/mcl-Act-93-of-1981.pdf

 

[dianaross77]

Quote:
So far, that has been the judges' interpretation as well. Whether we read it to mean that it protects all of us, the courts have yet to rule in favor of overriding zoning. That doesn't mean it won't ever happen, just that it hasn't yet.

 

[mommymegg]

hmm.. well I guess they have won then & i would have no choice but to get rid of our chickens

wish there was a way around it! grr....

 

[RaZ]

Don't give up so easily. People are fighting in other cities around Michigan. Stand your ground.

 

[MalissaB]

Try to work with the township/city to change local ordinances. I am in the same situation here in Fenton and on Monday we go in front of city council to present for a change in ordinance.

 

[JanetR]

Who turned you in? If there are no complaints - noise, smell etc. what's the big deal? I can't stand it that someone will try and dictate what we have as pets.