Can I keep chickens in Southfield, MI?
Yes — Southfield allows backyard chickens with no permit required. Roosters are prohibited, and coops must be at least 175 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (Chapter 113, Section 9.76; Chapter 5, Section 5.62B, verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Yes |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | No numeric cap |
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Permit required | No |
| Coop setback | 175 ft |
| Coop rules | Chickens must be housed 50-175 feet from neighboring residences depending on owner/neighbor status; Chapter 5 Section 5.62B specifies distance requirements by zone |
| Code section | Chapter 113, Section 9.76; Chapter 5, Section 5.62B |
Southfield allows residential chickens. Chickens must be housed minimum 50-175 feet from neighboring dwellings based on zoning. No roosters. Starting with 2-3 hens recommended for urban setting.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Southfield?
Yes — chickens are allowed in Southfield (Chapter 113, Section 9.76; Chapter 5, Section 5.62B).
How many chickens can I keep in Southfield?
Southfield sets no numeric cap on hens.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Southfield?
No — no permit is required for the base allowance in Southfield.
Are roosters allowed in Southfield?
No — roosters are prohibited in Southfield.
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in Southfield?
175 feet minimum. Chickens must be housed 50-175 feet from neighboring residences depending on owner/neighbor status; Chapter 5 Section 5.62B specifies distance requirements by zone
What law covers backyard chickens in Southfield?
Chapter 113, Section 9.76; Chapter 5, Section 5.62B. Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Chapter 113, Section 9.76; Chapter 5, Section 5.62B — read the official code
“Yes. Just two chickens will supply about a dozen tasty eggs each week to a family home. In an urban setting, it is recommended to start with two or three hens.” source
“Roosters not mentioned as permitted in Chapter 113 regulations; common practice prohibits them” source
“chickens must be housed some distance from residences, as few as 50 feet or as many as 175 feet” 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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