Backyard Chickens in Detroit, Michigan

Can you keep chickens in Detroit?

Thinking about raising backyard chickens in Detroit? As of early 2025, the Motor City officially allows residents to keep up to eight chickens and/or ducks at home under its new Animal Husbandry Ordinance — but roosters, permits, and setback rules all apply. Here's everything Peggy's Happy Chickens found in the official city code and licensing guidance.

Yes – with conditions

Yes. Under Detroit's Animal Husbandry Ordinance (City Code Chapter 6, Division 1, §§ 6-8-1 through 6-8-14), residents may keep chickens and/or ducks at their homes. Detroit's official government page confirms residents can keep up to 8 chickens and/or ducks at home, with special larger allowances for urban gardens and farms, and states that licenses are required.

The ordinance, passed by City Council in November 2024 and effective January 31, 2025, ended a decade-long prohibition on backyard livestock in the city. News coverage of the ordinance confirms that residents can keep eight chickens and ducks (in combination) and four honeybee hives, while urban gardens and farms can keep up to 12.

Roosters are explicitly prohibited — the law does not allow ownership of roosters, along with pigs, horses, cows, or other unnamed animals. Violating the ordinance's rules is punishable as a misdemeanor with a $100 fine that increases for repeat offenses.

Read the ordinance ↗

The rules at a glance

Hens in city limits: Allowed
How many hens: 8
Roosters: No
Permit required: Yes
Permit cost: $50
Setback from property line: 30 ft.

Peggy knows Detroit

The rules, straight from the municipal code.

Per the City of Detroit's official Animal Husbandry & Beekeeping guidance (Code Chapter 6, Division 1 §§6-8-1–6-8-14):

Flock size: Up to 8 chickens and/or ducks combined at a residential home; up to 12 combined at qualifying urban gardens/farms (no roosters permitted in any case).
Setbacks: Enclosures must be 30 feet from neighboring homes, 5 feet from the side property line, and 5 feet from the back property line if there is no alley.
Fencing: Fencing is required around the keeping area.
Shelter standards: News reporting on the ordinance confirms animal shelters (coops) must be enclosed on all sides, ventilated, and kept clean, with rules covering feed/food storage, manure removal, pest mitigation, animal tagging, and disposal of deceased animals.
Slaughter: Animals may only be slaughtered at licensed facilities, not on residential properties, and wastewater from animal-keeping areas cannot drain onto adjacent properties, waterways, or storm drains.
Licensing: An Animal Husbandry License is required through Detroit Animal Care and Control. The application requires proof of property ownership (deed), a plot plan showing enclosure location, and structural descriptions of animal housing, followed by an inspection before final approval. The annual fee is $50 for chickens/ducks (no fee for beekeeping).
Enforcement: The city can suspend a license immediately if a public health threat is found, and ordinance violations are punishable as a misdemeanor with a $100 fine (increasing for repeat violations).

Where this comes from

Keeping a flock happy in Detroit

🌡️ Climate

Detroit sits in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a, with cold, snowy winters (often below 20°F) and warm, humid summers. Coops should be insulated and draft-free for winter while still offering ventilation and shade in summer to prevent heat stress.

🦝 Who's after your hens

RaccoonHawkFoxOpossumSkunk

Detroit's urban and semi-urban lots see frequent raccoon and opossum visits after dark, along with red-tailed hawks and occasional foxes on the city's edges. Skunks are also common nuisance predators that dig for eggs. Secure, fully enclosed and ventilated coops (as required by the city's animal husbandry rules) with hardware-cloth covered runs are the best defense.

🐔 Breeds that do well here

Plymouth Rock, Rhode Island Red, Wyandotte, Orpington, Australorp

Our package comes with two Rhode Island Reds – hardy in heat and cold, and friendly with kids.

Questions people ask about Detroit

▸How many chickens can I keep in Detroit?

Residential properties may keep a combination of up to 8 chickens and/or ducks. Urban gardens and farms may keep up to 12.

▸Are roosters allowed in Detroit?

No. Detroit's ordinance does not allow roosters — only hens (and ducks) are permitted for residents.

▸Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Detroit?

Yes. You must obtain an Animal Husbandry License through Detroit Animal Care and Control, which costs $50 annually and requires a plot plan, proof of property ownership, and an inspection.

▸How far must my coop be from my neighbor's house?

Chicken/duck enclosures must be set back at least 30 feet from neighboring homes, 5 feet from the side property line, and 5 feet from the back property line if there's no alley.

▸What happens if I break the chicken-keeping rules in Detroit?

Violations are punishable as a misdemeanor with a $100 fine that increases for repeat offenses, and the city can suspend or revoke your license, potentially requiring removal of the animals.

City rules change, and this page is a summary rather than legal advice. Please confirm with Detroit or your HOA before you order – and call us on (559) 321-7271 if you'd like a hand. Last checked August 30, 2026.