Own Chickens

Local laws · Michigan

Grand Rapids chicken laws

City of Grand Rapids allows up to 4 hens on lots of 3,800–5,000 sq ft and up to 6 hens on lots over 5,000 sq ft (with 1 or 2 dwelling units) under a Backyard Chicken Permit. Adjacent neighbors are notified and a written objection within 21 days denies the permit.

Last checked 2026-10-25 against official city sources. Rules change, so confirm with the city before buying birds.

Quick facts

Chicken limit
Up to 4 hens on lots 3,800–5,000 sq ft; up to 6 hens on lots over 5,000 sq ft (lots under 3,800 sq ft ineligible)
Roosters
Roosters expressly prohibited regardless of age
Permit or license
Backyard Chicken Permit required via Grand Rapids Citizen Access (adjacent neighbors notified; 21-day objection window)
Last checked
2026-10-25

This applies inside Grand Rapids city limits. ZIP codes and mailing addresses can cross city lines, and nearby towns, villages, and counties have their own rules. HOA rules and leases can be stricter.

Before you apply

  • Confirm your parcel is at least 3,800 square feet (0.087 acres) and has no more than 2 dwelling units.
  • Talk to adjacent neighbors before applying: the City notifies adjacent property owners and occupants by letter, and if even one neighbor objects in writing within 21 days, the application must be denied.
  • Upload a dimensioned site plan, coop/enclosure building plans or product spec sheet, and written landlord permission (if renting) through the Grand Rapids Citizen Access portal.

Key rules

  • Only one coop is allowed per property, located in the rear yard at least 10 feet from all property lines.
  • Coop cannot exceed 8 feet in height or 6 square feet per chicken, and the coop and covered run combined cannot cover more than 50% of the rear yard.
  • Chickens must stay confined in a clean, predator- and rodent-resistant coop and covered/fenced enclosure.
  • Roosters are prohibited at any age.

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Other cities we have checked

WIMadisonUp to 8 chickens. Roosters prohibited. WIMilwaukeeUp to 4 chickens. Roosters prohibited. WIGreen BayUp to 5 hens. Roosters prohibited. WIAppletonUp to 6 chickens (hens only). Roosters not allowed (the rules define chickens as hens only). WIEau ClaireUp to 5 poultry (hens; quail included). Roosters, cocks, and drakes prohibited. WILa CrosseUp to 8 chickens. Roosters prohibited. WIOshkoshUp to 6 chickens and/or ducks per residential lot. The permit covers hens; confirm rooster rules in Chapter 6 of the Municipal Code. WIKenoshaUp to 4 chickens. Roosters prohibited. WIColumbusUp to 4 chickens. Roosters prohibited. WIJanesvilleUp to 4 hens or 4 female ducks (not both). Roosters and drakes prohibited. WIWaukeshaUp to 4 chickens (6 on parcels over 1 acre). Roosters prohibited (ducks, geese, turkeys, and other fowl also prohibited). WISheboyganUp to 3 domestic animals/fowl over 5 months without a permit; Animal Fancier Permit required for more than 3. Subject to nuisance and noise provisions in Sheboygan Municipal Code Sec. 8-15. WIWauwatosaUp to 4 chickens (hens). Roosters prohibited. WIFond du LacUp to 4 hens and/or pullets. Roosters prohibited. WIWausauUp to 4 hens or pullets. Roosters prohibited. WISun PrairieUp to 4 hens (up to 15 hens at permitted schools). Roosters prohibited. WIFitchburg25 chickens per acre, prorated by lot size (0.25 animal units per acre under Sec. 22-56(14)). Subject to city noise and nuisance ordinances; check subdivision covenants. WIMiddletonUp to 6 hens on lots up to 0.5 acre; up to 8 hens on lots over 0.5 acre. Roosters and crowing hens prohibited. WIStevens PointUp to 5 chickens (or combination of up to 5 chickens, ducks, or rabbits). Roosters prohibited. WINeenahUp to 4 total chickens, doves, or other fowl per property. Roosters prohibited. WIBeaver DamNot allowed (0 chickens in city limits). Prohibited (all chickens and farm poultry prohibited). WIWatertownUp to 4 hens. Roosters prohibited. WIBeloitUp to 4 female chickens. Roosters prohibited (including capons). WIDe PereUp to 4 chickens (combined dogs, cats, and chickens cannot exceed 6 animals). Roosters prohibited. MNMinneapolisPermit fee tiers cover 1-6, 7-15, and 16-30 birds. Separate rooster permit fee ($110); neighbor consent required. MNSaint PaulUp to 15 hens (Tier One: 1-6, Tier Two: 7-15). Roosters prohibited. ILChicagoNo numeric limit in city code for egg-laying hens (must meet sanitation, noise, and space standards). Not explicitly banned by species, but crowing that disturbs neighbors violates Chicago noise and animal nuisance ordinances. ILEvanston2 to 6 hens (minimum of 2, maximum of 6). Roosters prohibited on residential properties (limited exception for accredited educational institutions under Ord. 22-O-23). MNRochesterUp to 3 hens (up to 12 hens for educational or instructional activity with letter of request). Roosters prohibited. MNDuluthUp to 5 female chickens. Roosters prohibited. IADes MoinesUp to 30 birds total (max 2 species) on parcels under 1 acre; up to 50 on 1 acre plus 50 per additional acre. Roosters require written consent from every abutting property owner or lawful occupant (Ord. 16,402). IACedar RapidsUp to 6 hens (female chickens). Roosters prohibited. IAIowa CityUp to 4 hens. Roosters prohibited. MIAnn ArborUp to 6 birds (chickens, ducks, or a combination of both). Roosters (male chickens) prohibited; drakes (male ducks) and hen ducks are permitted. INIndianapolisUp to 12 adult poultry (chickens, ducks, quail, or pigeons) per lot. Up to 1 rooster allowed per lot, provided it is kept inside a fully enclosed structure from dusk to dawn. OHColumbusDetermined by coop and run space (laying hens need at least 1.5 sq ft inside the coop and 8 sq ft in the outside run per bird; large chickens need 2 sq ft coop / 10 sq ft run; bantams 1 sq ft coop / 4 sq ft run). Roosters prohibited (peafowl, geese, and turkeys also prohibited).