Can I keep chickens in Detroit, MI?
Yes — Detroit allows backyard chickens, up to 8 hens with a required permit/registration. Roosters are prohibited, and coops must be at least 5 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (Animal Husbandry and Beekeeping Ordinance (2025), verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Yes |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | 8 |
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Permit required | Yes ($50) |
| Coop setback | 5 ft |
| Coop rules | Shelter must be 30 feet from neighbors' residential structures, 5 feet from property lines if no alley. Waste management, pest mitigation required. No roosters allowed. |
| Code section | Animal Husbandry and Beekeeping Ordinance (2025) |
Detroit amended its municipal code effective January 31, 2025 to permit up to 8 chickens or ducks in residential zones with an annual $50 license fee. Roosters are prohibited. Animal shelters must be 30 feet from neighbors and 5 feet from property lines.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Detroit?
Yes — chickens are allowed in Detroit (Animal Husbandry and Beekeeping Ordinance (2025)).
How many chickens can I keep in Detroit?
Up to 8 hens.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Detroit?
Yes — Detroit requires a permit or registration before keeping chickens (fee: $50).
Are roosters allowed in Detroit?
No — roosters are prohibited in Detroit.
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in Detroit?
5 feet minimum. Shelter must be 30 feet from neighbors' residential structures, 5 feet from property lines if no alley. Waste management, pest mitigation required. No roosters allowed.
What law covers backyard chickens in Detroit?
Animal Husbandry and Beekeeping Ordinance (2025). Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Animal Husbandry and Beekeeping Ordinance (2025) — read the official code
“Residents can apply to keep a combination of up to eight chickens and ducks” source
“The annual licensing fee is $50 for chickens and ducks” source
“Animal shelters are required to be at least 30 feet from neighbors and if there is no alley, at least five feet from a neighbor's property line” source
Last verified June 13, 2026. Always confirm with your municipality — HOA rules can be stricter than city code. How we verify →
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