9/10/2018:  Ferndale city council approved a change to allow 6 chickens!  We will update when the ordinance becomes live on the municode site.  For now, here’s the draft: https://ferndalemi.civicweb.net/document/18029/Sec%205-8%20Animals%20and%20Fowl.pdf?handle=62AA9380D03A4022B81DBB6C4DDDE44B

Our ordinance is finally updated in the online muni code database!  Read the ordinance here in it’s entirety: Sec. 5-8. – Keeping of chickens.

Pick up the 11 page packet from City Hall, which includes:

• standard building permit/application for permits
• City of Ferndale chicken coop affidavit
• a copy of ORD 1118 page 1, page 2, page 3 Sec 5-8
• list of criteria for building and maintaining a chicken coop in Ferndale page 1, page 2
• a copy of the GAAMP guidelines for keeping laying hens page 1, page 2, page 3, page 4

You will need to submit a dimensioned site plan and pay your $35 permit fee at the time you submit your paperwork.  The dimensioned site plan must include: property lines, structures, set-backs, drive-way, elevation of coop with materials.  Plans must be to scale.

Coops are only allowed in R-1 and R-2 zoning districts- single family homes. Rental properties must supply the city with a letter of approval from the landlord.

The yearly permit is non-transferable.

Three hens allowed only.  No other fowl.  No roosters.

Applicant must schedule inspection of the coop within 30 days of pulling the permit. Permit will be void if inspection does not occur within 30 days.

Ordinance No 1118 Sec 5-8:

• Keep no more than 3 hen chickens at any time.
• Roosters or male chickens and any other type of fowl or poultry are prohibited.
• Slaughtering of any chickens at the property is prohibited.
• Chickens shall be maintained in a fully enclosed structure or a fenced enclosure at all times. Fenced enclosures are subject to all fence provisions and restrictions in the Ferndale Code. An enclosed structure shall be constructed of permanent materials and shall be properly maintained in accordance with the property maintanence codeadopted by the city in Sec 6-16 of of the Ferndale Code, as amended.
• Chickens shall not be kept in any location on the property other than the backyard. For purposes of this section, “backyard” means that portion of the lot enclosed by the propertys rear lot line and the side lots lines to the points where the side lot lines intersect with an imaginary line established by the rear of the single family or two family structure and extending to the side lot lines.
• No enclosure structure shall be located within any side or rear yard setback area. An enclosed structure or fenced enclosure shall not be located any closer than ten (10) feet to any residential structure on adjacent property.
• All structures and enclosures for the keeping of chickens shall be constructed and maintained so as to prevent rats, mice, or other rodents and vermin from being harbored underneath or within the walls of the structure or enclosure.
• All feed and other items associated with the keeping of chickens likely to attract rats, mice, or other rodents and vermin shall be secured and protected in sealed containers.
• Chickens shall be kept in compliance with the Michigan Department of Agriculture Generally Accepted Agricultural and Management Practices (GAAMP) for the Care of Farm Animals, as it relates to Laying Chickens, as amended, except as otherwise provided in this ordinance.
• Any violation of these provisions may be prosecuted as provided in Chapter 26-19.

 

Any questions??  Ask away!! lmikulski@gmail.com or 313.920.6133