Unneighborly Neighbor

[FMPHOTOGUY]

07/04/2024
My daughter moved from Indiana to Michigan's wine land in Buchanan about 1 year ago. They have a 5 acre lot with includes their house and 2 large barns. They are into chickens and on, July 4th,2024, build a very nice 8' by 16' coop near to 1 of their barns about 12 feet from their lot edge. Along their lot's line, the neighbor built a 10 foot metal sheathing fence. Today the police arrived saying the neighbor complained and they must remove the coop . The area is completely screened by trees, bushes and the 10 foot metal fence. I have been to my daughter's house and helped to build the coop. It is so secluded there that I have never gotten a glimpse of the neighbor's house on their large lot. Still the neighbor wants the coop removed. They have a beautiful toddler and my daughter is expecting number 2 in Sept. I have researched MI land laws and cannot find anything that would ban the coop. Any ideas from you would be greatly appreciated.
Best,
John

 

[pennyJo1960]

Welcome to Backyard Chickens. This is a great place to explore and hang out. Call the Town office they live in ask them or use your state thread.

 

[DobieLover]

Hello John, and welcome to BYC! Glad you joined.
Ask whomever told you that the coop had to be removed to provide you with a copy of the ordinance that states that it is not permitted where it is.

 

[SourRoses]

It's unusual for the police to chime in on what they call "a civil matter". It would usually be code enforcement.
You need information from the county. The county code, zoning, and the plotmap for the property showing the specific setbacks.
If it's in your favor get a print out, to be ready to show if the police show up again.
(I'm imagining a scenario where the cop involved is a friend of the neighbor, I could be off base on that, but I've seen it before so it's not always just a movie trope).

 

[janiedoe]

Welcome to BYC, John. Looks like you've gotten good advice. Good luck!

 

[N F C]

Hi John, sorry your daughter is in a pickle about the coop. As others have said, you need a copy of the local ordinances to find out what is legally allowed and what is not. There are places that require buildings such as coops to be a specific distance from property lines and your daughter's area may be one of those. You'll know more once the local laws are clarified.

Best of luck!

 

[Jenbirdee]

welcome to byc!

 

[Nomadicus]

Hello and Welcome to BYC. Glad to have you joined with us in this Poultry Loving Community.

 

[sourland]

Hello, John, and welcome to BYC. Good advice has been given. Hopefully this can be resolved favorably.

 

[TwoCrows]

Hello and welcome to BYC!

I am so sorry you are dealing with this. Hopefully you can get this sorted out soon.