Backyard Chickens in Muskegon, Michigan

Can you keep chickens in Muskegon?

Thinking about raising hens in Muskegon? The Lakeshore City welcomes backyard flocks — with up to six female chickens allowed per qualifying residential lot, a simple $30 development permit, and clear coop setback rules to keep the peace with your neighbors. Just leave the roosters out of it!

Yes – with conditions

Yes — backyard chickens are legal in Muskegon, Michigan. Under Chapter 6, Section 6-17(f) of the City Code of Ordinances (Ordinance No. 2498, adopted February 13, 2024), residents may keep up to six (6) female chickens on a tax parcel of at least 3,000 square feet located in a Single-Family Residential District, RT Two-Family Residential District, or certain Form Based Code residential districts. Roosters are strictly prohibited citywide. A development permit from the Planning Department is required before building or setting up a coop.

Read the ordinance ↗

The rules at a glance

Hens in city limits: Allowed
How many hens: 6
Roosters: No
Permit required: Yes
Permit cost: $30
Setback from property line: 5 ft.

Peggy knows Muskegon

The rules, straight from the municipal code.

Chickens must be kept in a chicken coop that is a fenced or fully enclosed structure (§ 6-17(f)). Key requirements include:

Coop cannot exceed 10 feet in height
Must be at least 5 feet from side and rear property lines
Must be at least 6 feet from the house
Must be at least 25 feet from neighboring homes
Cannot cover more than 50% of the rear yard
Must be maintained/repaired in a predator-resistant manner
Ground feeding is prohibited — all feed must be contained in the coop, and unused food must be secured after each feeding
A site plan showing the coop's location, size, and setbacks must accompany the development permit application
Chicken keeping must comply with the City's Property Maintenance Code health and safety standards

Full details are codified at City Code of Ordinances § 6-17 (Livestock and Poultry) and the Zoning Ordinance, Article XXII, Section 2311 #11.

Where this comes from

Keeping a flock happy in Muskegon

🌡️ Climate

USDA Hardiness Zone 6a (humid continental, lake-effect influenced)

Muskegon sits on the Lake Michigan shoreline, giving it a humid continental climate moderated by the lake — summers are mild and winters bring heavy lake-effect snow and prolonged cold. Coops should be well-insulated and draft-free for winter, with good ventilation to manage summer humidity.

🦝 Who's after your hens

RaccoonHawkFoxCoyoteOpossum

Muskegon's mix of urban lots, wooded ravines, and proximity to Lake Michigan dunes and wetlands brings a variety of predators through backyards, including raccoons, opossums, foxes, coyotes, and hawks. The city's ordinance requires coops to be built and maintained in a manner resistant to predators, and prohibits ground feeding to avoid attracting wildlife.

🐔 Breeds that do well here

Plymouth Rock, Rhode Island Red, Wyandotte, Orpington, Australorp (cold-hardy dual-purpose breeds well 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 Muskegon

▸How many chickens can I keep in Muskegon?

Up to six (6) female chickens per tax parcel, provided the lot is at least 3,000 square feet and located in an eligible residential zoning district.

▸Are roosters allowed in Muskegon?

No. The city ordinance explicitly states that roosters may not be kept in the city.

▸Do I need a permit to keep chickens?

Yes, a development permit ($30 fee) is required, including a site plan showing the coop's size, location, and setbacks.

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

The coop must be at least 25 feet from neighboring homes, at least 5 feet from side and rear property lines, and at least 6 feet from your own house.

▸Can I feed my chickens on the ground?

No. Ground feeding is prohibited — all feeding must occur inside the coop, and any unused or unconsumed food must be securely stored after each feeding.

City rules change, and this page is a summary rather than legal advice. Please confirm with Muskegon or your HOA before you order – and call us on (559) 321-7271 if you'd like a hand. Last checked August 28, 2026.