Can I keep chickens in Dearborn, MI?
Yes, with conditions — Dearborn allows chickens only in certain zones or lot configurations. Roosters are prohibited. (Section 4-1, verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Conditional (zone / lot rules) |
|---|---|
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Permit required | Yes |
| Coop rules | Permit required from director of residential services; fowl must not be allowed to run at large or create nuisance |
| Code section | Section 4-1 |
Dearborn requires a permit from the director of residential services to keep fowl including chickens. As of 2020, the city was not issuing new permits. Farm animals must not run at large or create nuisance conditions.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Dearborn?
Yes, with conditions — Dearborn allows chickens only in certain zones or situations (Section 4-1).
How many chickens can I keep in Dearborn?
It depends on your lot. Permit-based; no new permits issued as of 2020. Rules vary by zoning district — check the full summary for your zone.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Dearborn?
Yes — Dearborn requires a permit or registration before keeping chickens.
Are roosters allowed in Dearborn?
No — roosters are prohibited in Dearborn.
What law covers backyard chickens in Dearborn?
Section 4-1. Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Section 4-1 — read the official code
“It shall be unlawful for any person to keep or allow to be kept within the city any farm animals, including but not limited to cows, horses, pigs, potbellied pigs, goats, sheep, pigeons or fowl...without first obtaining a permit from the director of residential services” source
“Roosters prohibited in Dearborn” 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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