Legalities Of Keeping Hens

Summary

The user, a resident of Escanaba, MI, is facing a potential fine for keeping hens for food security. The user has confirmed adherence to local regulations regarding housing and waste disposal. The city, however, claims its against ordinances to keep hens, but hasnt provided a specific code. The user consulted an attorney who advised that the situation is a gray area and that they could potentially be fined up to $250 per day, but also have the option to fight it.

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Can I legally keep my * hens for food security for my family
What is your location, Desiree? Laws regarding keeping hens vary by city and state.
Escanaba MI
In Escanaba, MI, the city ordinance allows for the keeping of chickens with certain restrictions. Can you confirm if you're adhering to these restrictions?
Yes i am
That's great, Desiree. Just to clarify, are your hens housed in a coop that meets the local regulations?
Yes they are
That's good to hear, Desiree. Are there any complaints from your neighbors regarding your hens?
As far as I know there is not. The city told me they saw my hens through my fence while driving dowm the alley
Are you aware of any specific ordinance or rule that you might be violating according to the city's claim?
They are claiming I can not have hens
What specific ordinance did the city cite to support their claim that you cannot keep hens?
Apparently its against city ordinances to have hens although I am following their rules of keeping in the coop. They are fenced in. No roosters. Are not being processed on my property and waste is properly disposed of
Have you received any formal notice or citation from the city regarding this issue?
Just a phone call today.
What was the exact content of the phone call you received from the city?
They told me its against city ordinance to keep hens and that they will need to be removed by Friday of this week. Only a phone call though. No papers. No knock on the door
Did they provide a specific ordinance number or code during the phone call?
No they did not
What steps have you taken since receiving the phone call?
I have another home lined up for my hens if we do in fact need to rehome but we have added a privacy netting along our fence as well. We rely on their eggs for protein
Have you considered contacting a local attorney or the city's legal department for clarification on the ordinance?
The public saftey couldnt give me an exact ordinance number or code i was breaking and the attorney told me this is a gray area
What was the attorney's advice regarding this gray area?
He told me there is a chance I could get fined but I could fight it if I wanted
What is the potential fine amount the attorney mentioned?
Up to $* a day per day the hens are here
What is the name and contact details of the attorney you consulted?