For my family in Sterling Heights, raising a few backyard hens isn't just a hobby—it's a chance for my children to learn responsibility, understand where their food comes from, and be closer to nature. Having our own small supply of fresh eggs in the morning offers both a sustainable practice and a valuable educational lesson for my kids. Yet, the current city ordinance stands in our way.

Currently, Sterling Heights does not permit residents to have backyard hens, restricting families like ours from pursuing a more environmentally-friendly lifestyle. As more families across the country are opting for sustainable living, many communities have embraced the idea of keeping a limited number of hens for personal egg consumption without causing any disruptions. Cities such as Ann Arbor and Traverse City in Michigan have successfully demonstrated that allowing residents to keep small flocks of hens contributes positively to communities, bringing no nuisance when proper regulations are applied.

We propose amending the local ordinance to allow Sterling Heights residents the right to keep up to four hens in their backyards. This adjustment comes with the promise not to include roosters and to follow guidelines to maintain cleanliness and safety, ensuring no disturbance to neighboring homes. This change can grant families a fantastic opportunity to engage in sustainable practices and raise environmentally conscious children without hampering the neighborhood's peace and comfort.

The benefits of keeping backyard hens extend beyond just sustainability. They promote local food production, reduce carbon footprints, and teach responsibility and empathy to children as they care for another living creature.

Chickens also eat the pesky bugs that like to destroy flower, fruit and vegetable gardens therefore protecting plants from being detroyed by bugs.

Join us in asking the Sterling Heights city council to reevaluate the outdated ordinance concerning backyard hens. Let's make a small but impactful change towards more sustainable and educational practices for families here. 

Please support this initiative by signing this petition to make Sterling Heights a place where we can enjoy the simple benefits of backyard hens.