MARQUETTE TOWNSHIP -- A decision has not been made about the topic of raising chickens in the designated urban areas of Marquette Township.
According to Zoning Administrator Jason McCarthy, it comes down to determining just how big a farm is.
The Right to Farm Act in Michigan is very explicit in protecting farming, especially in urban areas. However, it is vague as to how large your property must be to be considered a farm.
Marquette Township does not want to pass an ordinance that will not comply or be more strict than the state laws. Their legal team will continue to explore the options, and the issue will be brought back up on September 28.
McCarthy notes that most of the members of the planning commission are in favor of allowing chickens to be raised for egg production. They did accept a petition from some members of the township who are not in favor of allowing the birds to be raised.
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