(A) Definitions. For the purpose of this section, the following definitions shall apply unless the context indicates or requires a different meaning.
DOMESTICATED ANIMALS. Animals taken care of in their day-to-day needs by humans.
EXOTIC OR WILD ANIMAL. Any animal not commonly domesticated in Michigan that is kept as a pet, raised for slaughter, or used for agricultural purposes, especially animals that pose a clear and present danger to humans. The following animals shall be considered EXOTIC OR WILD ANIMALS in all instances: big cats, venomous snakes, birds of prey, primates, deer, racoons, and opossums.
LIVESTOCK. A domesticated animal raised for slaughter or kept for the purposes of contributing to an agricultural use through labor, breeding, or the production of milk, eggs, manure, wool, or other animal-based products. The following animals shall be considered LIVESTOCK in all instances: cattle, horses, pigs, sheep, goats, turkeys, and chickens.
(B) All domesticated animals must be kept in safe and sanitary conditions appropriate to their species and in compliance with all county, state, and federal standards.
(C) The following domesticated animals may be kept on a residentially zoned lot:
(1) Livestock.
(a) A zoning permit shall be required to keep livestock on a lot. The Zoning Administrator shall have the jurisdiction to determine that an animal is considered livestock under this section, based on the definition in division (A). Appeals of the decision of the Zoning Administrator shall be to the Zoning Board of Appeals.
(b) Livestock with fur shall be prohibited within 500 feet of any dwelling unit. Examples include, but are not limited to: cattle, sheep, and horses.
(c) Chickens. Chickens shall only be permitted in the following circumstances:
1. Chickens shall only be permitted in the R-1, R-2, and R-3 Zoning Districts.
2. Lots under one acre shall be permitted to have up to four chickens. Lots over one acre shall be permitted to have up to six chickens.
3. Roosters shall not be permitted.
4. The slaughtering of any chicken is prohibited.
5. Chickens must be kept within a covered enclosure, including a coop and a run, at all times. Chickens shall not be allowed to roam the lot or any other property. The covered enclosure shall be exempt from the standards governing fences in § 155.187 and shall instead be subject to the regulations of this section.
6. The enclosed area where the chickens are kept, including the coop and the run, must meet the following standards:
A. It shall not be located in a front yard.
B. It shall be set back at least ten feet from any lot line and any residence on the same lot as the chicken enclosure.
C. It shall be set back at least 40 feet from any residence that is not on the same lot as the chicken enclosure.
D. It shall not exceed the maximum allowable height for a detached accessory structure in the zoning district it is located within.
E. It shall count as a structure for the purpose of calculating the maximum permitted lot coverage.
F. It shall be maintained in a clean and neat matter at all times.
G. The following materials shall not be used to construct the enclosure area: tarps, plastic, fabric, rubber, paper, cardboard, or other non-traditional building materials.
H. Chicken feed must be kept in rodent-proof, sealed containers.
(d) Bees. Bees may be kept on any lot, provided the bee enclosure is located in the rear yard and is set back at least 20 feet from any lot line.
(D) Exotic or wild animals. Exotic or wild animals shall not be kept as domesticated animals anywhere in the city. See Chapter 92.
(Ord. 678, passed 8-28-2023)