Backyard chickens in Portage, Michigan
Everything you need to know before you start a backyard flock in Portage – the rules, the climate and the neighbors with teeth.
Can you keep chickens in Portage?
Thinking about raising hens in Portage, Michigan? The city welcomes backyard flocks with a simple permit process — up to six hens, no roosters, and a well-built rear-yard coop are all it takes to get started producing your own fresh eggs.
Yes – with conditions
Yes. The City of Portage permits residents to keep a small backyard flock of hens as an accessory use in residential districts under its Zoning Code (§ 42-121.D). A city resident occupying a single-family home may obtain a permit to keep up to six hen chickens; roosters are prohibited. Chickens must be for personal use only — commercial sales are not allowed — and must be kept in a completely enclosed coop and attached pen located in the rear yard.
The rules at a glance
- Hens in city limits
- Allowed
- How many hens
- 6
- Roosters
- No
- Permit required
- Yes
- Permit cost
- $105
- Setback from property line
- 10 ft.
Peggy knows Portage
The rules, straight from the municipal code.
- Chickens must be kept in a completely enclosed coop and attached pen in the back (rear) yard.
- The coop/pen must be set back at least 10 feet from all property lines and 30 feet from any adjacent home; if the lot is a lakeside yard, the coop/pen must be set back at least 40 feet from the rear (lake side) property line.
- Collectively, the coop/pen cannot exceed 80 square feet in area and 6 feet in height.
- The coop/pen cannot be constructed of corrugated metal/fiberglass, sheet metal, plastic tarps, scrap lumber, or similar materials, and must be designed and maintained to provide a safe and healthy living condition.
- During daylight hours, chickens may be allowed to roam within the rear yard of the site if supervised and enclosed by at least a 4-foot high fence.
- Feed and other items must be secured from rats, mice, or other rodents.
- Outdoor slaughter of chickens is prohibited.
- Chickens are for personal use only — commercial sales are prohibited.
- Renters/lessees must obtain written permission from the property owner before applying.
- A permit ($105 fee, plus required site/building sketch) is required; the permit is personal to the applicant at the approved address and is not transferable.
- All city ordinances pertaining to noise, odors, dust, fumes, sanitation, health, or comparable nuisances must also be met.
Where this comes from
Keeping a flock happy in Portage
🌡️ Climate
USDA Hardiness Zone 6a
Portage, Michigan has a humid continental climate with cold, snowy winters and warm, humid summers. Backyard coops should be insulated and draft-free for winter, with good ventilation and shade options for summer heat and humidity.
🦝 Who's after your hens
Southwest Michigan backyard flocks commonly face threats from raccoons, hawks, foxes, coyotes, and opossums, especially near the wooded and lake-adjacent areas common in Portage. The city's required setbacks and enclosed coop/pen rules are intended in part to reduce predator access.
🐔 Breeds that do well here
Rhode Island Red, Plymouth Rock, Wyandotte, Orpington, Australorp
Our package comes with two Rhode Island Reds – hardy in heat and cold, and friendly with kids.
Questions people ask about Portage
▸How many chickens can I keep in Portage, Michigan?
Up to six hen chickens are permitted per single-family home; roosters are prohibited.
▸Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Portage?
Yes. A permit application with a $105 fee and a site/building sketch must be submitted to the Department of Community Development. The permit is personal to the applicant and tied to the specific property address.
▸How far from my property line must the coop be?
The coop/pen must be set back at least 10 feet from all property lines and 30 feet from any adjacent home. Lakeside yards require a 40-foot setback from the rear (lake side) property line.
▸Can I let my chickens roam outside the coop?
During daylight hours, chickens may roam within the rear yard if supervised and enclosed by at least a 4-foot high fence.
▸Can I sell eggs or slaughter chickens at home in Portage?
No. Chickens are for personal use only and commercial sales are prohibited. Outdoor slaughter of chickens is also prohibited.
City rules change, and this page is a summary rather than legal advice. Please confirm with Portage or your HOA before you order – and call us on (559) 321-7271 if you'd like a hand. Last checked September 2, 2026.
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