SouthEast Michigan: Where can you raise chickens and where can you not

[leasmom]

I am currently living in Livonia where chickens are allowed but very few people have them. I have a small backyard and I have 5 chickens. I want to move where I can have more space and I've already had to rule out Westland because of its chicken ordinances...I'm thinking more like Romulus but I don't know if chickens are allowed. Can someone chime in where they live and where chickens are allowed in their Michigan community???

 

[fullhouse]

Grosse Ile. We can have them as long as we don't allow them to be "at large" or stink, etc. No limits on number.

 

[michickenwrangler]

Saline/Ann Arbor you can have them. Farmington you can have them if you keep the coop 175 feet from neighbor's house (would have to have a huge lot or acreage for that). Have you checked out www.municode.com ? Try it.

 

[leasmom]

Thanks. I did try it but got a little confused-

So, I just called the city of Romulus and asked. They had me call the Animal Shelter and I told them I wanted to move there but I needed to know if backyard chickens were allowed. They are but they have to be cooped, which mine are. They're not allowed into a subdivision but we'll get a single home like we have now, rented...but single home. I just hope to find a house there next year that will suit us!!!

Also, if anyone else would chime in on where they live and where its allowed that would be great!!!

 

[keliejc]

Here in Waterford Township you need to have 2 acres, which I have. I've heard that Rochester now allows people to keep chickens. I think more townships need to become agreeable to chicken ownership, especially in this economy. In a way, having chickens is like planting a two-legged "victory garden" - remember those?

 

[leasmom]

Yes, they're called Freedom Gardens now spurred on by www.pathtofreedom.com They are raising goats and chickens in the city and living off their food. I feel like having both chickens and a garden that I am urban homesteading for freedom and even though I'm in an urban setting, I can always go outside and get eggs-(when they start producing)-or a tomato and I am in control of my own environment.

 

[DtroitChknLvr]

I was just talking about this with my co-workers - they all laugh at me. Turns out one of the attorneys I work for is on the City Council in Ann Arbor; He voted agains allowing chickens - "why do ppl need chickens when they can just go to the farmers market" ....typical. How closed-minded.

I'm happy to report that they did pass the ordinance allowing up to 4 hens in AA.

No in St. Clair Shores
Yes in Harrison Twp.
Yes in Grosse Ile
No in Grosse Pointe

As you can see, I've been house shopping and wanted to be sure that where I went I was able to have chickens....

Will post more as I find them...

And if anyone can help me....I'm looking for a house on some acreage in a good school dist. and within 30 miles of downtown Detroit - any ideas? Just looking for a general vicinity; town, city, village, etc. Any help is greatly appreciated!!! Thank you!

 

[fullhouse]

Grosse Ile! Excellent schools and reasonable taxes. Lot size would depend on budget. 3.something acres with a decent house (2400 sq ft 60's colonial) and a huge pole barn is about 400k, but houses with an acre start as low as 200. We have a community farm with riding, sailing, golf, public green space and trails, and tons of kids activities. About 30-40min to downtown. I have worked in both downtown and new center and commuted from here. I have kids in school here and went to school here, as did dh.

 

[Mom 2em All]

well, don't come to Taylor.
Chickens aren't allowed.
Schools leave alot to be desired, though I do believe the schools are better than Romulus.
I am amazed that chickens are allowed in Livonia and in Romulus, and in Gross Ille (my boss lives in Gross Ille and has a pig and two llamas).
What did they mean by subdivision in Romulus? Houses in subdivisions usually are single-family homes. Taylor borders Romulus- why can't I have chickens?

Brownstown is pretty nice, too. You may want to check there.
Thats where my brother-in-law with the farm (cows and pigs) lives.

 

[phunkymama]

i'm living in livonia and have a chicken. i just got a notice today that i have to get rid of her. what are the laws here??