1. Create a Citizen Access account
Online applications for Backyard Chicken Permits are processed through the Grand Rapids Citizen Access platform. If you've never used Citizen Access, we recommend that you review how to create an account before starting your application.
2. Make sure you have time to apply
This application will take about 10 minutes once you’ve gathered the required information identified below. You can save your application and resume later if you need more time.
3. Review the requirements
- Be at least 3,800 square feet (0.087 acres) in area
- Properties less than 5,000 square feet in size are allowed to keep no more than four (4) chickens on their lot.
- Properties greater than 5,000 square feet in size are allowed to keep no more than six (6) chickens on their lot.
- You can look up your property size on the City Assessors Property Search. Once you find your property, scroll down to the Land Information section. You’ll find the total acres listed. If you can’t find your property size, give us a call at the number listed in the Contact Us section. We'll look it up for you.
- Not include more than 2 dwelling units
- Have written permission from the landlord, if you're renting
Placement and other requirements
- Roosters are expressly prohibited, regardless of the age or maturity of the bird.
- Chickens must be kept in and confined in a properly designed and constructed coop or chicken house, or a fenced and covered enclosure, which may be located only in the "rear yard" of the property.
- Each fenced and covered enclosure shall be designed with adequate yard space for each chicken, and the coop or chicken house and the fenced and covered enclosure combined shall not cover more than fifty (50) percent of the rear yard. Enclosures must be clean and resistant to predators and rodents.
- Coop cannot be taller than 8 feet
- Coop cannot exceed 6 square feet per chicken
- Only one coop for keeping chickens
- Coop and yard must be 10 feet away from all property lines
4. Make sure you have all the required information
During the application process you will need to upload attachments.
Draw a site plan for your chicken coop and yard, with measurements listed. You can use our Site Plan Template in English(PDF, 173KB) (Site Plan Template in Spanish), which includes a sample.
Include all of this in your site plan:
- All property lines
- All existing buildings or structures on your property
- Fences
- Chicken coop
- Fenced or covered chicken yard area
Upload plans for the coop, chicken house, or fenced and covered enclosure. Examples of plans may include detailed building plans/drawings, photos, elevation drawings, or info sheets for a pre-manufactured coop.
If you're renting, you'll need to upload written permission from your landlord.
5. Have your credit/debit card ready
You'll need to enter your credit/debit card information to pay the non-refundable permit application fee. We accept Visa, MasterCard and Discover.
6. Apply online
You can find the application under the Planning Applications category of Citizen Access.
7. We'll review your application
Expect to hear from us within 1-2 business days. We'll email you to confirm receipt of your application. Keep in mind that you might need to revise your application or attachments if we notice any missing or incorrect information.
8. What happens next
Check back into your Citizen Access account to see if the permit has been approved or if our staff needs additional information for the permit to be approved. If the permit has been approved, check the email address that you have provided to us for upon filling out the permit.
You should receive feedback within 1-2 business days upon submitting your Backyard Chicken permit.
9. Reapplication process
An initial permit shall be valid for a period of three (3) years.
- If, in the judgment of the City Manager or his/her designee, the permittee has abided by all ordinance provisions and permit conditions and has not created a nuisance to the owners or occupants of adjacent properties or the neighborhood, the permit may be renewed for an additional three (3) year period.
- If the permittee has recorded or verified violations of ordinance provisions or permit conditions but is currently in compliance, the permit may be renewed for an additional one (1) year.
- However, no permit issued pursuant to this ordinance shall remain valid past the date on which this ordinance either expires or is repealed, whichever is earlier.
