St. Clair Shores currently prohibits residents from owning backyard chickens, despite the fact that many surrounding cities have successfully implemented ordinances allowing residents to raise a small number of hens with proper regulations, including Warren, Harrison Township, Clinton Township, Eastpoint, Centerline, and Roseville. It's time for St. Clair Shores to modernize its policies and allow residents the opportunity to be more self-sufficient through urban homesteading. 

Backyard hens provide numerous benefits, including access to fresh, high-quality eggs, natural pest control, and a more sustainable lifestyle. Many cities across the country have adopted ordinances allowing limited numbers of hens with clear guidelines to address common concerns such as noise, odor, and waste management. We are proposing a well-regulated ordinance that would allow residents to responsibly own a small number of hens while ensuring they do not become a nuisance to neighbors or the community. 

Please sign this petition to urge the city to update this outdated ordinance and allow residents to keep backyard hens under reasonable, well-regulated conditions. 

Proposed Regulations to address concerns:

• Limited Number of Hens: No more than 4-6 hens per household, with absolutely no roosters allowed to prevent noise complaints
• Permitting and Inspections: Residents who wish to own hens would be required to obtain a permit from the city, ensuring they meet all housing and care requirements before being approved. 
• Proper Coop and Run Requirements: Hens would need to be kept in a secure, enclosed coop with a properly fenced outdoor run. The use of predator-proof buried wire can prevent rodent infestations to protect the flock. 
• Waste and Odor Management: Owners would be required to maintain clean coops using best practices such as the deep litter method, which helps manage waste, composting, and odor control naturally. Well-maintained chicken coops do not smell any worse than a dog or cat's living space.
• No Free Ranging Outside the Property: Hens would be restricted to the owner's backyard and not allowed to roam freely around the neighborhood. 

Debunking Common Myths: 

• Chickens Are Too Noisy: Unlike roosters, hens make very little noise, and their clucking is far quieter than the barking of neighborhood dogs.
• Chickens Attract Rats: Rats are attracted to food left outside, not chickens themselves. Properly stored feed, secure coops, and good sanitation practices prevent rodent problems - just like the responsible pet ownership prevents dog waste issues. 
• Chickens Belong on a Farm: Urban homesteading is growing in popularity and many cities, including Detroit, Roseville, Warren, Centerline, Eastpoint, Clinton Township, and Harrison Township, have successfully integrated backyard chicken ordinances. Residents should have the right to live sustainably, even in suburban areas.

Why This Matters: 

Allowing backyard hens is about more than just fresh eggs - it's about food security, sustainability, and giving residents the freedom to make healthier choices for their families. With proper regulation in place, there is no reason why St. Clair Shores cannot successfully implement an ordinance that allows responsible chicken ownership while maintaining the quality of life for all residents. 

Please sign this petition to urge the city to update this outdated ordinance and allow residents to keep backyard hens under reasonable, well-regulated conditions.