City of Grand Rapids residents can now apply for a permit to raise chickens in their backyards.

The City Development Center will accept applications beginning today, April 1. The Backyard Chicken Ordinance goes into effect in one month.

Here are some of the guidelines that must be followed when raising chickens within the city limits:

  • Chickens can only be kept on single family home and duplex lots.
  • Permit applications are $50 and annual renewals are $10.
  • The maximum number of chickens depends on the house lot size; four can be kept on smaller lots and up to six on larger lots.
  • Roosters are prohibited. (No early morning wake up calls for your neighbors!)
  • Chickens must be kept in a properly designed coop.
  • Birds cannot be killed or slaughtered on the premises.
  • The City’s ordinance is on a two-year trial period. After which it will be reevaluated.

 

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