A limited number of hen licenses will become available in the city on Monday, May 14.
The City Commission on May 1 adopted a revision to the city’s animal ordinance, addressing the keeping of urban livestock on residential properties. At this time, this allows only hens, based on property size.
Applications for one of 20 hen licenses can be submitted starting at 8 a.m. Monday at the Planning and Zoning Office, City Hall Room 117, 10 N. Division St. Staff will accept applications on a first-come, first-served basis. Those who submit applications beyond the first 20 received will be placed on a waiting list.
Chicken enclosures must be 20 feet from all property lines, and 40 feet from homes on adjacent parcels. Approval of a license is subject to a property inspection.
Along with the hen license application, those interested must obtain a fence/shed permit for the chicken coop and enclosure. The total cost of an initial, three-year permit, is $100.
The ordinance, applications, and Frequently Asked Questions section is available on the city’s website at battlecreekmi.gov/planning. Those with questions also can call staff at 269-966-3320.