Can I keep chickens in Livonia, MI?
Yes, with conditions — Livonia allows chickens only in certain zones or lot configurations. (Livonia Zoning Ordinance Sec. 6.34, verified August 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Conditional (zone / lot rules) |
|---|---|
| Permit required | No |
| Minimum lot size | 21,780 sq ft |
| Coop rules | Permitted use in RUF districts only; fowl kept for the owner's consumption on one-half acre or more; raising fowl for sale requires 5+ acres with proper housing and fencing; livestock raising must follow Michigan GAAMP standards. |
| Code section | Livonia Zoning Ordinance Sec. 6.34 |
Livonia allows fowl only in its RUF (Rural Urban Farm) zoning districts: half an acre or more lets you keep fowl for your own consumption with no codified hen cap, and 5 or more acres are required to raise birds for sale. Properties in ordinary residential districts do not qualify.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Livonia?
Yes, with conditions — Livonia allows chickens only in certain zones or situations (Livonia Zoning Ordinance Sec. 6.34).
How many chickens can I keep in Livonia?
It depends on your lot. RUF (Rural Urban Farm) districts only: fowl for the owner's consumption on half-acre or larger lots, no count cap; 5+ acres required to raise fowl for sale.. Rules vary by zoning district — check the full summary for your zone.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Livonia?
No — no permit is required for the base allowance in Livonia.
Is there a minimum lot size for chickens in Livonia?
Yes — 21,780 sq ft.
What law covers backyard chickens in Livonia?
Livonia Zoning Ordinance Sec. 6.34. Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Livonia Zoning Ordinance Sec. 6.34 — read the official code
“Residents are allowed to keep chickens and rabbits on properties that are one-half acre or larger exclusively for their personal consumption” source
“(1) Districts Permitted. The following standards apply in the RUF Districts as a permitted use. (2) Minimum Lot Size. Fowl and rabbits may be raised and kept for the owner's consumption only on one-half (1/2) acre or more” source
“The coop must have a secure floor attached to all sides of the enclosure or embedded in the ground at a minimum depth of two feet” source
“Fowl and rabbits may be raised for sale on parcels five (5) acres or more in size if such animals are properly housed, maintained, and fenced” source
Last verified August 30, 2026. Always confirm with your municipality — HOA rules can be stricter than city code. How we verify →
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