Can I keep chickens in Pontiac, MI?
Yes — Pontiac allows backyard chickens, up to 3 hens with a required permit/registration. Roosters are prohibited, and coops must be at least 3 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (Pontiac Zoning Ordinance Sec. 4.206 (Ord. 2407, 2410); accessory structures Sec. 2.304(F), verified August 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Yes |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | 3 |
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Permit required | Yes |
| Coop setback | 3 ft |
| Coop rules | Hens must be kept in an enclosed structure or fenced enclosure at all times; not in any front or side yard; detached coop follows accessory-structure rules (rear yard, at least 3 ft from any lot line). Zoning/building permit required with initial coop inspection and 90-day follow-up; chicken permits expire December 31 each year. |
| Code section | Pontiac Zoning Ordinance Sec. 4.206 (Ord. 2407, 2410); accessory structures Sec. 2.304(F) |
Pontiac allows up to 3 egg-laying hens with a zoning or building permit that expires December 31 each year. Roosters and all other fowl are prohibited. Hens stay in an enclosure at all times, never in the front or side yard, and coops follow the accessory-structure rule of at least 3 feet from any lot line.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Pontiac?
Yes — chickens are allowed in Pontiac (Pontiac Zoning Ordinance Sec. 4.206 (Ord. 2407, 2410); accessory structures Sec. 2.304(F)).
How many chickens can I keep in Pontiac?
Up to 3 hens.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Pontiac?
Yes — Pontiac requires a permit or registration before keeping chickens.
Are roosters allowed in Pontiac?
No — roosters are prohibited in Pontiac.
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in Pontiac?
3 feet minimum. Hens must be kept in an enclosed structure or fenced enclosure at all times; not in any front or side yard; detached coop follows accessory-structure rules (rear yard, at least 3 ft from any lot line). Zoning/building permit required with initial coop inspection and 90-day follow-up; chicken permits expire December 31 each year.
What law covers backyard chickens in Pontiac?
Pontiac Zoning Ordinance Sec. 4.206 (Ord. 2407, 2410); accessory structures Sec. 2.304(F). Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Pontiac Zoning Ordinance Sec. 4.206 (Ord. 2407, 2410); accessory structures Sec. 2.304(F) — read the official code
“Pontiac only allows 3 chickens” source
“Only three egg laying hens are allowed at any one time” source
“A zoning or building permit will be required ... All chicken permits will expire December 31 of current year” source
“Roosters or male chickens or any other type or class of fowl or poultry are prohibited” 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 →