Backyard Chickens in Ypsilanti, Michigan

Can you keep chickens in Ypsilanti?

Thinking about raising hens in Ypsilanti? The city permits backyard hens (and ducks) with a simple permit, a four-bird limit, and no roosters — here's exactly what the ordinance requires.

Yes – with conditions

Yes. The City of Ypsilanti allows residents to keep hens (female chickens), as well as ducks and drakes, under Chapter 14, Article II, § 14-13 of the City Code, "Keeping of female chickens (hens)." A permit from the city is required before acquiring the birds, and the principal use of the property must be a single-family or two-family dwelling.

Read the ordinance ↗

The rules at a glance

Hens in city limits: Allowed
How many hens: 4
Roosters: No
Permit required: Yes
Setback from property line: 20 ft.

Peggy knows Ypsilanti

The rules, straight from the municipal code.

Under the ordinance (§ 14-13), a person may keep no more than a total of four fowl, in any combination of hens, ducks, or drakes. Male chickens (roosters) are not allowed. Birds must be kept only in the "backyard" (the rear portion of the lot behind an imaginary line extended from the rear of the house to the side lot lines), and must be provided with a covered enclosure (for flighted species) or a fenced enclosure at all times (for flightless species); fenced enclosures must also comply with the city's general fence/wall rules (§ 122-635).

Coops, duck houses, and enclosures must be located at least 20 feet from any residential structure not owned by the permittee, unless the permittee obtains written permission from that structure's owner. Permit holders remain subject to the city's general public-nuisance animal controls (§ 14-11). The city's own guidance page adds that slaughtering hens on the property is not permitted. Violations are municipal civil infractions with escalating fines for repeat offenses.

Where this comes from

Keeping a flock happy in Ypsilanti

🌡️ Climate

USDA Hardiness Zone 6a/6b (Humid Continental)

Ypsilanti experiences cold, snowy winters (often well below freezing) and warm, humid summers, so coops should be insulated or well-protected from wind with proper ventilation to prevent frostbite on combs/wattles in winter while still allowing airflow in summer.

🦝 Who's after your hens

RaccoonHawkFoxOpossumSkunk

Southeast Michigan backyard flocks commonly face raccoons, hawks (including red-tailed hawks), foxes, opossums, and skunks; secure, fully enclosed and covered coops/runs are important given the ordinance's own requirement that flightless birds be kept in a fenced enclosure at all times and flighted species in a covered enclosure.

🐔 Breeds that do well here

Plymouth Rock, Wyandotte, Rhode Island Red, 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 Ypsilanti

▸How many chickens can I keep in Ypsilanti?

Up to four fowl total, in any combination of hens, ducks, or drakes, per § 14-13 of the City Code.

▸Can I keep a rooster in Ypsilanti?

No. The ordinance specifically states that no person shall keep a male chicken (rooster).

▸Do I need a permit to keep hens in Ypsilanti?

Yes. You must obtain a permit from the city's Building Department before acquiring hens and pay a permit fee set by city council; the permit must be kept and shown to city officials or police on demand.

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

Coops, duck houses, and enclosures must be at least 20 feet from any residential structure not owned by the permittee, unless the neighboring owner gives written permission.

▸Can I keep chickens in my front yard?

No. Hens, ducks, or drakes may only be kept in the backyard, defined as the area behind an imaginary line extended from the rear of the house to the side lot lines.

City rules change, and this page is a summary rather than legal advice. Please confirm with Ypsilanti or your HOA before you order – and call us on (559) 321-7271 if you'd like a hand. Last checked September 26, 2026.