Can I keep chickens in Novi, MI?
Yes, with conditions — Novi allows chickens only in certain zones or lot configurations. Roosters are prohibited, and coops must be at least 100 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (Novi Code Sec. 5-12 (Ord. 11-108.05), verified August 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Conditional (zone / lot rules) |
|---|---|
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Permit required | No |
| Coop setback | 100 ft |
| Home slaughter | Allowed with restrictions |
| Coop rules | Covered enclosure required, not in the front yard, at least 100 ft from any adjoining dwelling and 25 ft from the owner's dwelling; fenced area at least 15 ft from the property line; rodent-proof construction; all animals except household pets and livestock must be female; no roosters on any property; slaughter only inside an enclosed building within the fenced area. |
| Code section | Novi Code Sec. 5-12 (Ord. 11-108.05) |
Novi permits hens as an accessory use rather than banning them: chickens must be female, roosters are prohibited, and the covered coop must sit at least 100 feet from any neighboring dwelling and 25 feet from the owner's home, with a fenced area 15 feet off the property line. The 100-foot rule effectively rules out typical subdivision lots.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Novi?
Yes, with conditions — Novi allows chickens only in certain zones or situations (Novi Code Sec. 5-12 (Ord. 11-108.05)).
How many chickens can I keep in Novi?
It depends on your lot. No hen count cap, but the coop must sit at least 100 ft from any adjoining dwelling and 25 ft from the owner's own dwelling - effectively prohibitive on typical subdivision lots. All chickens must be female.. Rules vary by zoning district — check the full summary for your zone.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Novi?
No — no permit is required for the base allowance in Novi.
Are roosters allowed in Novi?
No — roosters are prohibited in Novi.
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in Novi?
100 feet minimum. Covered enclosure required, not in the front yard, at least 100 ft from any adjoining dwelling and 25 ft from the owner's dwelling; fenced area at least 15 ft from the property line; rodent-proof construction; all animals except household pets and livestock must be female; no roosters on any property; slaughter only inside an enclosed building within the fenced area.
Can I slaughter chickens at home in Novi?
Yes, with restrictions — see the city's rules in Novi Code Sec. 5-12 (Ord. 11-108.05).
What law covers backyard chickens in Novi?
Novi Code Sec. 5-12 (Ord. 11-108.05). Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Novi Code Sec. 5-12 (Ord. 11-108.05) — read the official code
“Novi currently bans chickens in residential areas” source
“Any animal, other than a household pet, that is permitted to be kept as accessory to a principal use of a property shall be housed in accessory buildings ... nor nearer than one hundred (100) feet to any adjoining dwelling, nor nearer than twenty-five (25) feet to the dwelling of the owner thereof” source
“No roosters allowed” source
“All animals, except livestock and household pets, shall be female. No roosters are permitted on any property.” source
Last verified August 30, 2026. Always confirm with your municipality — HOA rules can be stricter than city code. How we verify →
Reach people actively researching backyard chickens in their city. Founding sponsor slots now open.
Apply to become a sponsor →