(CBS DETROIT) — Detroit could soon have ducks, chickens and beehives if a proposed change to city codes passes the City Council.
The amendment would change urban livestock and beekeeping laws to allow residents to keep up to eight ducks, chickens and four beehives on their property.
Residents who may participate in this new rule would be required to keep the animals in an enclosed area behind their property. The enclosures would also be needed to provide shelter, protect the animals from predators and provide fresh water.
“I don’t know if this would be the right environment for that right now,” Luke Hakim said. “Why put chickens and farmlands when we have suburbs?”
According to Keep Growing Detroit, the city already has more than 2,200 farms. Supporters of the amendment believe that updating the regulation will help alleviate food insecurity.
But Councilwoman Mary Waters wonders where these birds and bees will go to frolic.
“The chicken crosses the street, maybe it gets hit by a car,” Waters told CBS News Detroit. “Look, the place is too compact to raise it properly.”
Before it can be adopted, the amendment must pass a budget analysis and a majority vote in the full council.
“There are people who already have in mind that this is a way to get their own food or eggs,” Waters said. “That may be true, but I need them to have some open space.”
