Can I keep chickens or other animals on residential property in Rochester Hills?

Yes. Raising and keeping of animals is permitted by right in the R districts, meaning RE, R-1, R-2, R-3, and R-4 (§ 138-4.300, Table 4; § 138-4.301.A). The use is subject to the standards in § 138-4.430.

Points to note:

• Permitted by right means no City Council approval is needed, but the § 138-4.430 standards still apply. Review them before adding animals or animal housing.
• A coop or similar building is an accessory structure. It must sit in a side or rear yard, never the front yard, and at least 5 feet from side and rear lot lines on lots under 2 acres (§ 138-10.102.A, § 138-10.102.B).
• Horses are treated differently. Stables and riding academies require conditional use approval from City Council (§ 138-4.300, Table 4; § 138-4.434).