Can I keep chickens in Lansing, MI?
Yes — Lansing allows backyard chickens, up to 5 hens with no permit required. Roosters are prohibited, and coops must be at least 10 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (Chapter 610 (animals), verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Yes |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | 5 |
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Permit required | No |
| Coop setback | 10 ft |
| Coop rules | Up to 5 hens allowed. Roosters, ducks, peacocks, turkeys, emus not allowed. Enclosure must be 10 feet from property line, 40 feet from residential structure on adjacent property. Must prevent rodent harboring. |
| Code section | Chapter 610 (animals) |
Lansing permits up to 5 hens without requiring a permit. Roosters are prohibited. Coops must be 10 feet from property lines and 40 feet from neighbors' residences. Nuisance and sanitation ordinances apply.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Lansing?
Yes — chickens are allowed in Lansing (Chapter 610 (animals)).
How many chickens can I keep in Lansing?
Up to 5 hens.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Lansing?
No — no permit is required for the base allowance in Lansing.
Are roosters allowed in Lansing?
No — roosters are prohibited in Lansing.
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in Lansing?
10 feet minimum. Up to 5 hens allowed. Roosters, ducks, peacocks, turkeys, emus not allowed. Enclosure must be 10 feet from property line, 40 feet from residential structure on adjacent property. Must prevent rodent harboring.
What law covers backyard chickens in Lansing?
Chapter 610 (animals). Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Chapter 610 (animals) — read the official code
“The City of Lansing allows residents to keep up to five hens on their property” source
“Roosters are not allowed; no permit is required” source
“The enclosure must be located at least 10 feet from the property line of any adjacent property and at least 40 feet from any residential structure on an adjacent property” 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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