Backyard Chickens in Grand Rapids, Michigan

Can you keep chickens in Grand Rapids?

Thinking about keeping hens in Grand Rapids? The city legalized backyard chickens in 2016 after a successful pilot program, and today residents can keep up to six hens with a permit — as long as roosters, slaughtering, and unhappy neighbors stay out of the picture!

Yes – with conditions

Yes, Grand Rapids allows backyard hens, but only with an approved permit. Roosters are expressly prohibited, regardless of the age or maturity of the bird. The city's animal code (Title IX, Chapter 155, Article 3 § 9.213 et seq.) was amended in 2016 after a two-year pilot program to permanently allow backyard chicken keeping. Chickens may be kept only on lots with single- or two-family dwellings that are at least 3,800 square feet, and the birds must be confined to a coop or fenced/covered enclosure in the rear yard. The number of hens allowed is tied to lot size, and slaughtering chickens on the property is not permitted.

Read the ordinance ↗

The rules at a glance

Hens in city limits: Allowed
How many hens: 6
Roosters: No
Permit required: Yes
Permit cost: $53
Setback from property line: 10 ft.

Peggy knows Grand Rapids

The rules, straight from the municipal code.

Lot size / flock size: No more than four (4) chickens on single- or two-family lots between 3,800 and 5,000 sq ft; no more than six (6) chickens on lots 5,000 sq ft or larger.
Location: Coop or fenced/covered enclosure must be in the rear yard only, and the combined coop + enclosure area cannot cover more than 50% of the rear yard.
Size/height: Coop must be under 8 feet tall and provide less than 6 square feet of coop space per chicken.
Number of coops: Only one coop is allowed per property.
Setback: The coop and yard/enclosure must be at least 10 feet from all property lines.
Sanitation: Chicken feed must be kept in rodent-resistant, weatherproof containers, and enclosures must be kept clean and resistant to predators and rodents.
No slaughtering: Chickens may not be butchered, slaughtered, or otherwise killed on the property.
Neighbor approval: The city notifies adjacent property owners/occupants of a permit application; if even one adjacent neighbor formally objects in writing within 21 days, the permit application must be denied.
Renting: Renters must have written permission from their landlord to apply.
Permit term: An initial permit is valid for three years and can be renewed for another three years if there are no violations (or one year if there were violations but the property is currently compliant).

Where this comes from

Keeping a flock happy in Grand Rapids

🌡️ Climate

USDA Hardiness Zone 6a (humid continental climate)

Grand Rapids has cold, snowy winters and warm, humid summers typical of West Michigan. Coops should be insulated and draft-free for winter, with good ventilation and shade access for summer humidity.

🦝 Who's after your hens

RaccoonHawkFoxCoyoteOpossumSkunkWeasel

Urban and suburban Grand Rapids flocks face regular pressure from raccoons, opossums, and hawks, with foxes, coyotes, weasels, and skunks also present in the greater Kent County area, particularly near parks, greenways, and the Grand River corridor. The city's own coop rules require enclosures that are 'resistant to predators and rodents,' underscoring the importance of secure, fully covered runs.

🐔 Breeds that do well here

Plymouth Rock, Rhode Island Red, Wyandotte, Orpington, Australorp, Easter Egger (cold-hardy, dual-purpose breeds suited to Michigan winters)

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

Questions people ask about Grand Rapids

▸How many chickens can I have in Grand Rapids?

It depends on your lot size: properties between 3,800 and 5,000 square feet may keep up to four (4) chickens, while properties 5,000 square feet or larger may keep up to six (6) chickens.

▸Are roosters allowed in Grand Rapids?

No. Roosters are expressly prohibited, regardless of the age or maturity of the bird.

▸Do I need a permit to keep chickens?

Yes. You must apply for a Backyard Chicken Permit through the city's Development Center, and your property must be at least 3,800 square feet, contain no more than two dwelling units, and (if you rent) come with written landlord permission.

▸Can my neighbors block my chicken permit?

Yes. The city notifies adjacent property owners and occupants of your application, and if even one neighbor objects in writing within 21 days, the city cannot issue the permit.

▸Can I butcher my chickens at home?

No. Chickens may not be butchered, slaughtered, or otherwise killed for any reason on any property where they are kept under this ordinance.

City rules change, and this page is a summary rather than legal advice. Please confirm with Grand Rapids or your HOA before you order – and call us on (559) 321-7271 if you'd like a hand. Last checked August 27, 2026.