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[Monique]

Just wondering if anyone knows if residents are allowed to raise small livestock, such as chickens, ducks, or rabbits, within city limits? I found something that says no one can prevent a person from their right to farm, regardless of their location.

Michigan Right to Farm Act: http://www.backyardchickens.com/t/182280/michigan-right-to-farm-law-what-does-it-mean

Has anyone tried it? What are the cons of doing so? Are there permits that are required?

It would be pretty cool to have farm fresh eggs on hand.

[ShorTea]

Hmm, fun idea for your kids to be in on the project! I have never raised chickens or anything for food, but  it's a good idea, especially so kids get an idea where food is from. City Hall should be able to give you any information you need about permits, or if it's allowed.

Personally I would stay away from rabbits for food, just because they are so cute, I'd have a hard time turning them into dinner. 

[Monique]

There's no danger of me raising rabbits for food!! I have three as pets, but I've thought about breeding them for 4H or as pets for others. I wouldn't eat rabbit meat for any reason whatsoever! I'd eat grass first! lol

[BigRedDog]

There was a gal in Summerfield township that was challenging the township zoning ordinance or minimum lot size required for horses using this act...

not sure if it ever made it to court or not.  I'll try Googling it tomorrow!

[Maverick]

I believe the Right To farm act does have some limitations. My understanding is that it covers farms as defined by state statute and or twp ordinance. Your chances of having farm animals on a residentially zoned lot within the city limits are slim and the Right To farm act will probably do you no good. Sorry

Mav

[Mayonnaise]

City of Monroe has ordinances on their website
http://www.ci.monroe.mi.us/
On the left of the page, its a drop-down menu.
Maybe you'll find what you need to know.
Good Luck.

[Monique]

Thanks, Mayo. I've perused that site, but I don't speak legalese. I'm hoping someone has some first hand information they can 'translate' for me.

[sammy]

Thanks, Mayo. I've perused that site, but I don't speak legalese. I'm hoping someone has some first hand information they can 'translate' for me.

Put the chickens out, and someone from the city will "translate" for you! A woman in Capac has had her chickens "translated" already. She has a facebook page; something like "save the chickens".Go to Topix capac, and you can see the feedback.

[Monique]

I have zero interest in any trouble. Reading that Right to Farm Act just made me wonder... it says that no local authority can trump state law, so I wonder how anyone who wants to raise chickens (or whatever) can be penalized.

Maybe Brian can shed some light?

[BigRedDog]

The gal in Summerfield was named Peggy Brown...   seems like I remember her just deciding to move the horse and then selling her home and buying somewhere else.  Not sure if that all finally worked out or not...

Here's some "opinions" (you know what they say about them though) from a nice group of people from 3 years ago...

http://monroetalks.com/forum/index.php?topic=15107.0

[Monique]

LOL! I must've missed that conversation. I believe I was on 'vacation' at the time. ;0)

Thanks again, Dawg. I'll read up on that thread, but it seems to be geared more toward horses than chickens.

[Tiny]

Ah yes, just a few lice and flea ridden chickens scratching the ground to give us a few fresh eggs everyday for breakfast. I almost miss my younger days collecting eggs and being chased by that @$%#& rooster with his spurs out front, and don't forget feeding and watering them and removing their smelly discards. Those were the days.

Second thought, $1.69 a dozen is much easier. 

[Caribbean blue]

You can do it. Law limits you to 3 chickens,hens, no roosters. You might end up fighting city hall, but you are allowed by the Michigan Right to Farm Act. I have three hens, I love them. 3 eggs a day, no problems at all. Just have a safe place for them as cats roam free within the city limits.

[marilyn.monroe]

My chickens are the best neighbors I ever had.

[Monique]

So, mm, do you live within the city limits with your chickens?

Thanks for the info, Carribean blue. Did you have to fight City Hall? Like I said, I don't want any hassle, I just want to maybe have a few hens.

Tiny, yep, $1.69 would certainly be a lot easier, but I'm tending toward self sustainability. Fleas and all! lol