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 30 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (Detroit City Code Ch. 6 (Animals), Art. VIII, Div. 1 (Secs. 6-8-1 to 6-8-14) and Div. 2 (Secs. 6-8-31 to 6-8-39); zoning ordinance animal husbandry accessory use, effective January 31, 2025, verified August 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Yes |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | 8 |
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Permit required | Yes |
| Coop setback | 30 ft |
| Home slaughter | Not allowed |
| Coop rules | Animal Husbandry license required from Detroit Animal Care and Control, with an annual renewal fee set by a schedule approved by City Council. Up to 8 chickens and/or ducks combined at a home; up to 12 combined at a licensed urban garden or farm. Setbacks: 30 feet from a neighboring dwelling, 5 feet from the side or perimeter property line, and 5 feet at the rear where no alley is present. Fencing required, plus opaque screening where adjacent to a residential dwelling. Shelter or enclosure capped at 200 square feet, roofed and ventilated, confined to the rear of the lot. Manure removed every one to three days. Feed stored on raised platforms secure from pests. Notice must be sent to abutting owners and occupants. |
| Code section | Detroit City Code Ch. 6 (Animals), Art. VIII, Div. 1 (Secs. 6-8-1 to 6-8-14) and Div. 2 (Secs. 6-8-31 to 6-8-39); zoning ordinance animal husbandry accessory use, effective January 31, 2025 |
Since January 31, 2025 Detroit residents can keep up to eight chickens and/or ducks at home under a license from Detroit Animal Care and Control, along with up to four beehives. Roosters are prohibited and slaughter may only happen at licensed slaughterhouses, never on a residential property. The coop must sit 30 feet from a neighbor's home and 5 feet off the side property line, fenced and screened.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Detroit?
Yes — chickens are allowed in Detroit (Detroit City Code Ch. 6 (Animals), Art. VIII, Div. 1 (Secs. 6-8-1 to 6-8-14) and Div. 2 (Secs. 6-8-31 to 6-8-39); zoning ordinance animal husbandry accessory use, effective January 31, 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.
Are roosters allowed in Detroit?
No — roosters are prohibited in Detroit.
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in Detroit?
30 feet minimum. Animal Husbandry license required from Detroit Animal Care and Control, with an annual renewal fee set by a schedule approved by City Council. Up to 8 chickens and/or ducks combined at a home; up to 12 combined at a licensed urban garden or farm. Setbacks: 30 feet from a neighboring dwelling, 5 feet from the side or perimeter property line, and 5 feet at the rear where no alley is present. Fencing required, plus opaque screening where adjacent to a residential dwelling. Shelter or enclosure capped at 200 square feet, roofed and ventilated, confined to the rear of the lot. Manure removed every one to three days. Feed stored on raised platforms secure from pests. Notice must be sent to abutting owners and occupants.
Can I slaughter chickens at home in Detroit?
No — slaughter is not permitted under Detroit's code.
What law covers backyard chickens in Detroit?
Detroit City Code Ch. 6 (Animals), Art. VIII, Div. 1 (Secs. 6-8-1 to 6-8-14) and Div. 2 (Secs. 6-8-31 to 6-8-39); zoning ordinance animal husbandry accessory use, effective January 31, 2025. Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Detroit City Code Ch. 6 (Animals), Art. VIII, Div. 1 (Secs. 6-8-1 to 6-8-14) and Div. 2 (Secs. 6-8-31 to 6-8-39); zoning ordinance animal husbandry accessory use, effective January 31, 2025 — read the official code
“Residents can apply to keep a combination of up to eight chickens and ducks” source
“Chapter 6: Division 1 Section 6-8-1 through 6-8-14, and Division 2 Section 6-8-31 through 6-8-39” source
“Chickens and Ducks - Homes: Up to 8 total (chickens + ducks). Gardens and Farms: Up to 12 total (no roosters).” source
“The annual licensing fee is $50 for chickens and ducks” source
Last verified August 16, 2026. Always confirm with your municipality — HOA rules can be stricter than city code. How we verify →
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