Quick Summary
Limit: 4 hens · Roosters: Prohibited · Permit: Required · Setback: 10 ft from property line · Code: Ann Arbor City Code § 9:42Ann Arbor's Chicken Ordinance
Ann Arbor City Code § 9:42 permits up to 4 hens in residential zones with a permit. Ann Arbor is home to the University of Michigan and has a highly educated, sustainability-conscious population — the city updated its urban agriculture ordinance in 2013 to include chickens as part of a broader local food initiative. The 10-foot setback from property lines is notably more manageable than many peer cities.
Ann Arbor's relatively compact residential lots in neighborhoods like Burns Park, Kerrytown, and Old West Side benefit from the 10-foot setback standard — most lots can accommodate a compliant coop placement without a variance.
U of M Extension Resource
Michigan State University Extension's Washtenaw County office (at 4135 Washtenaw Ave) provides free poultry-keeping resources and occasional workshops on urban chicken husbandry. As a university town, Ann Arbor has unusually good access to agricultural extension services — a significant advantage for new chicken-keepers navigating both the permit process and practical management.
Key Rules
- Up to 4 hens per single-family residential lot
- Roosters are prohibited
- A permit from Ann Arbor's Customer Service is required
- Coop must be at least 10 feet from any property line
- Rear yard required
- Coop must be enclosed and predator-proof
- No free-ranging outside a secured enclosure
- Feed in sealed containers
Ann Arbor vs. Washtenaw County Area Cities
| City | Limit | Permit | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ann Arbor | 4 hens | Permit required | 10 ft from property line |
| Ypsilanti | 4 hens | Permit required | 15 ft setback |
| Saline | 4 hens | No permit | 15 ft setback |
| Dexter Township | More permissive | No permit | County agricultural rules |
| Pittsfield Township | 6 hens | No permit | 25 ft setback |
| Detroit | 4 hens | Permit required | 10 ft from property line |
Frequently Asked Questions
Ann Arbor's code currently does not permit goats in standard residential zones. The city's urban agriculture provisions cover chickens and bees but do not extend to miniature goats. Proposals to add miniature goats have been discussed by the city's urban agriculture advisory group but no amendment has been adopted. Washtenaw County unincorporated areas are more permissive — miniature goats may be permitted on residential lots in some county townships.
Yes — Ann Arbor permits urban beekeeping with up to 4 hives on residential lots, a 10-foot setback from property lines, and Michigan Department of Agriculture registration required. Ann Arbor's Southeast Michigan Beekeepers Association chapter is active and runs a strong mentorship program for new urban beekeepers.
Contact Ann Arbor's Customer Service at City Hall, 301 E. Huron St, or apply online at a2gov.org. The permit application requires your address, number and type of birds, and a site sketch. The fee is modest (under $50 as of 2024). Processing time is typically 1–2 weeks. Permits do not require annual renewal — one-time approval unless your setup changes.
Related Guides
StateMichigan Livestock LawsAll major Michigan cities.NationalNational Chicken LawsHow Ann Arbor compares.ToolCoop Size CalculatorHow much space do 4 hens need?
Disclaimer: Ordinances change frequently. Always verify current rules with your local planning department before acquiring any animals.